231 West 71st Street
231 West 71st Street
Building Name: (former) Lucania
NB Number: NB 131-1912; Job No. ALT 104830854
Type: Apartment Building
Architect: Ajello, Gaetan and Arbore, Mario Gaetan Ajello (1912); Mario Arbore (2006-09)
Developer/Owner/Builder: A. Campagna Const. Co. (1912); James Rinzler, Developer (2006-09)
Row Configuration: One of three very similar buildings designed by Gaetan Ajello on this block (the others are no. 220 and 221).
NYC Landmarks Designation: Historic District
Landmark Designation Report:
Addendum to the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension Designation Report
National Register Designation: N/A
Primary Style: Renaissance Revival with Post-Modern alterations
Primary Facade: Brick, Granite, Limestone, Multi-toned brick, and Terra Cotta
Stories: 9
Decorative Metal Work: Balconette rails at second story; possibly historic transom screen at main entry.
Significant Architectural Features: Tripartite vertical configuration; two-story masonry base with limestone and terra-cotta details including molded window surrounds, bracketed sills, molded panels, cartouches, and a denticulated cornice; two large cartouches above the second story; double-height terra-cotta main entry portico; granite base trim.
Alterations: Facade rebuilt above second story, including removal of all original terra-cotta and masonry details such as a fifth-story balconette, molded window surrounds and arch-headed window openings at the ninth floor (see c. 1939 tax photograph for historic appearance); cornice removed (prior to c. 1980s tax photograph); some window openings altered when new facade installed; replaced sashes (except where noted, see “Building Notes”); lights at main entry; flag and metal armature above main entry; security cameras at first story at east and west ends of elevation.
Building Notes: One of three very similar buildings designed by Gaetan Ajello on this block (the others are no. 220 and 221). This one was always the least similar, and is by far the most altered. The alterations to the upper stories were undertaken as part of the building’s conversion to condominiums between 2006-09 and in conjunction with large-scale interior alterations. Possibly historic triple-windows with casement sashes and transoms at second story. Historic tax map lot 17 (presently condo lots 1201-1229).
References: Arbore Design, “Featured Work: 235 West 71st Street,” http://www.arboredesign.com (accessed May 8, 2013); Christopher Gray, “For a Grande Dame, More Than an Eye-Lift,” New York Times, March 1, 2009, RE5.
Site Features: Small granite step at main entry; in-ground metal hatch door to west of main entry
South Facade: Designed (historic at first and second stories; rebuilt above second story)
Door(s): Replaced primary door
Windows: Mixed
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (upper stories)
Cornice: Not historic
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal
West Facade: Not historic (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Facade altered and portions refaced with new brick facing to match new primary (south) facade; new masonry quoins towards southern end of elevation
Alterations: Repointed at parapet. Not historic (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Same as west facade
Alterations: Large painted area
East Facade: Not historic (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Same as west facade
Alterations: Large painted area
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension