311 West 72nd Street
311 West 72nd Street
NB Number: NB 1193-1901
Type: Rowhouse
Architect: Gilbert, C.P.H.
Developer/Owner/Builder: Mary Tier Sutphen
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: Beaux-Arts
Primary Facade: Limestone
Stories: 5 and American basement
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension
Special Windows: Curved sashes and transoms at projecting bay at primary (south) facade at second and third stories, and at western facade at first, second and third stories.
Decorative Metal Work: Elaborate copper brackets at cornice at fourth story at primary (south) and west facades; oversized sheet metal gabled dormers embellished with keystones, decorative brackets, and elaborate scrolls; historic wrought-iron fencing and gate enclosing areaway/ courtyard.
Significant Architectural Features: Rusticated limestone at base and corners of upper stories; central rounded bay from basement to third story; molded surrounds at window openings including decorative hood with a central opening at second story; curved balustrade above third story; entrance portico featuring Ionic columns and simple pilasters supporting an ornate entablature and balustraded balconette; historic wood sashes throughout, including single pane, one-over-one double-hung, and casements with transoms; glass entrance door with metal grille featuring molded stone surround with floral detail.
Alterations: Intercoms at main and basement entries.
Building Notes: Designated a New York City Individual Landmark on January 8, 1991 (LP1718). 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, with three of them designed by renowned architect C.P.H. Gilbert. (For more information, see LPC designation report for The Sutphen Residence).
Site Features: Surrounded by a irregularly-shaped courtyard; concrete-and-masonry stairs with non-historic handrail descends into areaway.
Notable History and Residents: Mary Tier Sutphen (1870-1949) owned the residence at the time of its construction. The father of her husband (John Schureman Sutphen, Jr. (1867-1925)), was involved in real estate and at one time owned the entire blockfront of property along Riverside Drive between West 72nd and West 73rd Streets. John Sutphen, Sr. was responsible for establishing and upholding the restrictive covenants that secured the high-quality residential development of the area.
South Facade: Designed (historic)
Stoop: Original stoop (gate under stoop – replaced)
Door(s): Historic primary door
Windows: Historic (upper stories); historic (basement)
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (first story)
Roof: Historic (pitched – slate)
Notable Roof Features: Cross-gabled, mansard roof
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Low granite wall with fencing (see “Decorative Metal Work”)
Areaway Paving Material(s): Concrete
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry
West Facade: Designed (historic)
Facade Notes: Visible due to the irregular shape of the lot and provision of courtyard area
Significant Architectural Features: Similar to primary (south) facade; smaller and less-detailed hipped-roof dormers at fifth story flanked by pilasters.
Alterations: One copper bracket removed at fourth story.