320-322 West 90th Street

320-322 West 90th Street

Date: 1936

NB Number: NB 135-1935

Type:  Apartment Building

Architect:  Bien, Sylvan

Developer/Owner/Builder: 32 West 90th Street Corporation

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report: Riverside Drive- West End Historic District

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Art Deco

Primary Facade:   Brick

Stories: 6

Window Type/Material: See structure

Structure:  This six story apartment building is located on the south side of West 90th Street approximately 123 feet east of Riverside Drive, extending approximately eighty-seven feet along the street. The building is dumbbell shaped in plan with interior courtyards opening to the east and west, and is faced in brick in shades of orange and brown laid in common bond. The facade is highlighted by brickwork in a variety of decorative patterns. Almost all of the original wood-framed paired multi pane casement windows with transoms are intact.

West 90th Street Facade: This facade has two horizontal divisions. The first story is separated from the upper stories by striations created by recessed courses of dark brick. Intricately patterned brickwork occurs above the first story window lintels. The facade has nine bays of windows. End bays have corner windows of multi pane casement sash with fixed transoms above. The center bay has two pairs of casement windows, flanked by three pairs of casements. Above the first story, windows are joined vertically by spandrels and window surrounds with raised brickwork. Sixth story windows are also topped by patterned brickwork. The recessed entry is surrounded by a polished stone enframement with angled reveals. A small metal service door is located at the far west of this facade.

Western Elevation: The western elevation is partially visible from West 90th Street. The pattern and color of brick from the facade returns for one bay; beyond is beige brick in common bond. The elevation has two bays of windows and wrap-around windows at both north and south corners.

Eastern Elevation: The eastern elevation is partially visible from West 90th Street. The pattern and color of brick from the facade returns to the adjoining rowhouse; beyond is beige brick in common bond.

Historic District: Riverside Drive- West End HD

Alterations: One original wood window has been replaced with new aluminum sash. Some casements have been altered to receive air conditioners. The entry has recent metal and glass double doors with a transom above and a canopy. Some brick at the building’s corners has been replaced.

History: This apartment building was erected in 1936 for the 320 West 90th Street Corporation (Irving Broff, president), according to the design of architect Sylvan Bien. The site was previously occupied by a three story residence and garage, a vacant lot, and a two story stone-fronted stable belonging to the Clark mansion on Riverside Drive. Selected Reference: New York City Department of Taxes Photograph Collection, Municipal Archives and Record Collection, E 1295.