218 West 72nd Street

218 West 72nd Street

NB Number: NB 1695-1886

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Gilbert, C.P.H.

Developer/Owner/Builder: William H. McCormack

Row Configuration: Part of a larger row of houses of which only this, 218 and 220 West 72nd Street remain. This building consists of two rowhouses, no. 216 to the east and no. 218 to the west, which were combined into a single apartment house.

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report: placeholder

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Queen Anne with alterations

Primary Facade:   Masonry

Stories: 5

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Special Windows: Round-arched window openings at third story at no. 218 (replaced sashes).

Significant Architectural Features: Bay windows at third and fourth stories capped by crenellated balcony at fifth story (no. 216); large segmental-arched opening at fifth story balcony (no. 216); triangular pediment with foliate detail at western window at second story (no. 216); rusticated masonry window surrounds at third story (no. 218); continuous molded sills and round-arched lintels at fourth story (no. 218); richly-carved foliate cornice above fourth story (no. 218); front-facing gables at fifth story (no. 216 & 218) with checkerboard masonry detailing (no. 218); round-arched main (residential) entry (no. 218).

Alterations: Separate row houses built out at first and second stories to accommodate commercial storefronts (with a shared cartouche detail) and containing one new, combined main (residential) entry at the western end of the facade (prior to c. 1939 tax photograph); first-story storefronts further altered prior to c. 1980s tax photograph; replaced sashes (one-over-one double-hung sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph); screen windows; commercial signage at first-story storefronts; projecting vertical commercial sign at second story at no. 216; drainpipes at both facades and shared between buildings; conduit at first story; commercial signage and intercom at main entry.

Site Features: In-ground metal hatch doors in sidewalk (no. 216); in-ground metal grate in sidewalk (no. 218).

North Facade: Designed (historic, painted)
Door(s): Replaced primary door
Windows: Replaced
Storefront(s): Replaced
Roof: Possibly historic (pitched – materials not determined)
Notable Roof Features: Pitched roofs with front-facing gables
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry