575 West End Avenue, AKA 300-302 West 88th Street
575 West End Avenue, AKA 300-302 West 88th Street
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Date:Â 1915
NB Number:Â NB 33-1915
Type: Â Apartment Building
Architect: Â Ajello, Gaetan
Developer/Owner/Builder:Â Paterno & Son Construction
NYC Landmarks Designation:Â Historic District
Landmark Designation Report:Â Â Riverside Drive- West End Historic District
National Register Designation:Â N/A
Primary Style: Â Neo-Renaissance
Primary Facade: Â Â Gray Brick, Limestone, and Terra Cotta
Stories:Â 13
Window Type/Material:Â See Structure
Structure:Â Â This thirteen story apartment building is located at the southwest corner of West End Avenue and West 88th Street, extending 100 feet along the avenue and ninety feet along the side street. The building is faced with light gray brick laid in stretcher bond and has limestone and terra cotta trim.
West End Avenue Facade: This facade has three major horizontal divisions – a base, a midsection, and a top. The brick faced three story base has a stone water table and trim. The entrance is located in the center of this facade. Double entry doors of glass and metal have side lights and a transom; all have decorative metal grilles. Windows flank the entry and four double height paneled pilasters on tall bases frame the entrance doors and windows. Large cartouches surmount the capitals which are joined by a cornice at the third story sill line.
The facade is composed of seven bays of paired windows arranged with three at the center flanked by two on each side which are separated by smaller slit windows. Window openings have decorative lintels with soldier coursing, flat headed pediments, or terra cotta voussoirs. The nine story midsection is accented by decorative balconies, some with balustrades and some with wrought iron railings, at various locations. The one-story top is defined by an elaborate stringcourse and capped by a modillioned cornice.
West 88th Street Facade: This facade is six bays wide, with a slit window between the second and third bays from the east. It has the same overall design and articulation of detail as the West End Avenue facade.
Western Elevation: The western elevation, partially visible from West 88th Street, steps back to a rear courtyard and a southern wing. The gray brick of the primary facades returns, but the majority of the elevation is faced in tan brick with bands of white brick interspersed. Three bays of windows and a fire escape are visible on the northern wing of this elevation. The southern wing, beyond the courtyard, has three window bays.
Historic District: Riverside Drive- West End HD
Alterations: All windows of the primary facades have one-over-one aluminum replacement sash. The third bay from the south on the West End Avenue facade is now an entrance that has a large glass and metal door with sidelights and a transom in a metal frame. A recent canopy projects over the sidewalk at the main entrance. The first story stone window surrounds are painted, as is the transom above the entrance.
History:Â This apartment building was erected in 1915 for the Paterno Construction Company according to the design of architect Gaetan Ajello. The site was previously occupied by four vacant lots fronting on West End Avenue and one rowhouse on West 88th Street. Selected Reference: New York City Department of Taxes Photograph collection, municipal Archives and Record Collection, H 2370..