620 West End Avenue
AKA 273/275 West 90th StreetÂ
620 West End Avenue
Â
Date:Â 1899-1901
NB Number:Â NB 1999-1899
Type: Â Rowhouse
Architect: Â Lamb, Hugh
Developer/Owner/Builder:Â Realty Improvement Co
Row Configuration:Â AB
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 Beaux-Arts
Primary Facade: Â Â ashlar, Red Brick, and Stone
Stories:Â 5
Window Type/Material:Â See structure
Basement Type:Â American
Structure:Â Â This pair of five story houses with American basements is composed of one house on the northeast corner of West End Avenue and West 90th Street and another on the north side of West 90th Street. Both houses are faced in red brick laid in Flemish bond with smooth ashlar limestone coursing at the first story and stone trim above. The facades are enhanced by entrance porticoes and classically inspired window surrounds. Although quite similar, the A and B types have several distinguishing features. This pair matches another located at the northern end of the West End Avenue block front.
West End Avenue facade: The A type house is located at 620 West End Avenue. The first story entrance is located at the north; it is fronted by a limestone portico with a cluster of three Ionic columns at each side, while the door is flanked by two Ionic pilasters at each side. Enclosing the areaway is the original wrought iron fence with cast finials. Above the portico runs a cast stone balustrade. To the south of the door is a window in a keyed surround. The second story has two window openings with limestone surrounds that have scrolled brackets supporting modillioned lintels. The third story window openings have limestone surrounds and scrolled keystones. A limestone cornice caps this story. The fourth story is faced with limestone coursing that alternates with brick. Modillions support the dentiled iron cornice above. The hip roof has a pedimented dormer and a chimney at the north side. A shallow return of the facade is located on the north side of the building.
West 90th Street facade: The West 90th Street facade is four bays wide and features the same overall design and articulation of detail as the West End Avenue facade. The center bays of the second and third stories project slightly, with stone balustrades making the top and bottom of the projection. Three dormers punctuate the roof.
Historic District: Riverside Drive- West End HD
Alterations: : The first-story limestone on both facades has been painted gray. The front door has been replaced. One recent light fixture is placed above the door. All of the windows have brown aluminum double-hung sash., The lower level wrought iron grilles are replacements. A recent wrought iron balustrade is above the portico. There are numerous small additions on the replaced green asphalt shingle roof, above the painted green cornice. The pediments on the dormers have been altered.
History: Designed as a two house row in conjunction with a matching pair at the opposite end of the West End Avenue block front, these buildings were designed by the well known New York architect Hugh Lamb for the Realty Improvement Company and built in 1899-1901. Selected Reference: New York City Department of Taxes Photograph Collection, Municipal Archives and Record Collection, G 2031. ° 622,