550 West End Avenue

550 West End Avenue

Date: 1895-1897

NB Number: NB 577-1895

Type:  Free-standing House

Architect:  Robertson, R. H.

Developer/Owner/Builder: Corporation of St Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report:Riverside Drive – West End Historic District Extension I

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Renaissance Revival

Primary Facade:   Terra Cotta and Yellow roman brick

Stories: 4

Window Type/Material: See Structure

Stoop Type: L-shaped/marble

Roof Type/Material: Pitched

Structure:  Significant Architectural Features: Two story rounded bay; L-shaped stoop with marble treads and landing; brick pilasters with Corinthian capitals; terra cotta door and window enframements and trim; ox-eye window; temple like wall dormer with ox-eye in pediment; Special Windows: Sash with curved glass; Decorative Metal Work: Possibly historic window guards at second story and dormer; stoop railing

Site Features: Shared areaway with church (q.v.)

Notable History and Residents: The 1930 census records show that Rose Hickey operated a rooming house in the rectory. Two years later, the church submitted an application to the Department of Buildings to convert the rectory into a tenement but withdrew it later in the year. A subsequent application for interior alterations returned it to use as a single family residence. In 1952, a separate apartment was created on the first story for the Assistant Rector.

West Facade: Designed (historic) Stoop: Partially resurfaced Door(s): Replaced primary door Windows: Historic Roof: Pitched – asphalt shingles (replaced) Cornice: Original Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete Curb Material(s): Stone

South Facade: Designed (historic) (partially visible) Facade Notes: Flat headed and round arched windows with terra cotta enframements; basement windows mixed; historic sash on upper stories; possibly historic grilles (basement) and window guards (upper); chimneys (both tarred on west); door at basement; fire escape; conduits; cables; leaders

Historic District: Riverside Drive-West End HD Extension I

Alterations: Stoop walls resurfaced and painted; ox-eye window infilled with brick; light at entrance; remote utility meter on stoop; balustrade above bay removed

References: NYC, Department of Buildings, ALT 676-1932, ALT 1361-1932, ALT 107-1952; U. S. Census records, 1930.