309 West 72nd Street
309 West 72nd Street
Date: 1899-1901
NB Number: NB 1308-1899
Type: Rowhouse
Architect: Schellenger, Gilbert A.
Developer/Owner/Builder: William E. Diller
Row Configuration: Located on a prominent lot, it is one of four grand town houses remaining at this corner (the others are also designated New York City Individual Landmarks and are also within the boundaries of the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension). All four of the homes were built in accordance with restrictive covenants meant to ensure high-quality residential development and are impressive examples of the high-quality single-family homes designed for the area. The homes are all harmonious in design. (For more information, see LPC designation report for The Diller Residence).
NYC Landmarks Designation: Historic District
Landmark Designation Report: Addendum to the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension Designation Report
National Register Designation: N/A
Primary Style: Renaissance Revival
Primary Facade: Brick, Buff Roman Brick, Indiana Limestone, Limestone, and Roman Brick
Stories: 5 and basement
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension
Special Windows: Round-arched openings at fifth story (replaced sashes; contain non-original one-over-one double-hung windows with round-arched upper sashes).
Significant Architectural Features: Tripartite vertical configuration; rusticated limestone base; decorative bowed sill at western window at first story; Roman brick with limestone quoins and molded and carved limestone details at shaft, including prominent three-sided oriel at second and third stories; blind balustrade with carved geometric ornament caps the oriel; a molded cornice with rosettes and vines separates the shaft from the capital; Roman brick with limestone details at capital, including richly-carved window surrounds with keystones, topped by a bracketed cornice; portico at main entry consisting of Ionic columns supporting overhang of oriel above, including richly-carved entablature with foliate and anthemia detailing.
Alterations: Replaced sashes (central bay originally had single-pane wood sashes; metal-mesh infill at basement window opening to west of main entry; other windows historically one-overone double-hung wood sashes); original double-doors at main entry replaced by wood door and a fixed panel with a window; painted cornice; light fixture at portico; intercom at main entry.
Building Notes: Designated a New York City Individual Landmark on January 8, 1991 (LP1717). Located on a prominent lot, it is one of four grand town houses remaining at this corner (the others are also designated New York City Individual Landmarks and are also within the boundaries of the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension). All four of the homes were built in accordance with restrictive covenants meant to ensure high-quality residential development and are impressive examples of the high-quality single-family homes designed for the area. The homes are all harmonious in design. (For more information, see LPC designation report for The Diller Residence).
Site Features: Possibly historic planters at stoop sidewall with floral details (painted); in-ground metal hatch in front of facade at eastern side of stoop.
Notable History and Residents: William E. Diller (1859-1936) was a New York native and a physician. Diller retired from medicine in 1920 and pursued a career as a builder, having been involved in real estate as early as 1895. His obituary stated that he constructed more than 100 single-family houses on the west side of Midtown Manhattan. Diller apparently purchased and developed this lot for investment purposes only. It was sold the year after its construction. Nothing is known of Sophie H. Mann, the subsequent owner.
References: “Obituary, William E. Diller,” New York Times, March 24, 1936, 23.
South Facade: Designed (historic, painted at first story)
Stoop: Painted
Door(s): Replaced primary door; historic wood double-doors with transoms at central bay at fourth story
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); altered (basement)
Security Grilles: Not historic (first story)
Cornice: Original
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry