254 West 72nd Street

254 West 72nd Street 

NB Number: NB 1335-1887

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Pelham, George F.

Developer/Owner/Builder: Michael Steinhart

Row Configuration: Part of a larger row of houses of which only three remain, including this building, 250 and 252 West 72nd Street. The buildings that remain are in an ABA pattern.

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:  Gothic Revival with alterations

Primary Facade:   Limestone

Stories: 3 1/2 and basement

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Special Windows: Pointed-arch openings at second and third stories (historic or original sashes); segmental-arched openings at dormers (replaced sashes; possibly historic wood frame at western dormer).

Significant Architectural Features: Bay windows at second and third stories; pointed-arch window openings throughout with foliated surrounds supported on slender columns with Corinthian capitals at second story and rusticated window surrounds at third story; small cornice with floral molding above second story; molded cornice above third story; larger (eastern) dormer with triangular pediment and smaller (western) copper-faced dormer with triangular pediment above third story.

Alterations: Built out at basement and first story to accommodate commercial storefronts (large storefront window with standard doorway at first story; large window flanked by two small hexagonal windows at second story), including removal of original stoop (prior to c. 1939 tax photograph); painted at basement and first story; non-original conical-shaped metal awning at main entry; cylindrical lights at second story; retractable awning at first story; metal railing above second story (present in c. 1939 tax photograph); signboxes at first story; intercom, security camera, address numbers, and cigarette disposal box at main entry; non-historic metal hinges affixed to facade to right of main entry.

Building Notes: The building was purchased in 1926, with an article in the New York Times noting that recent changes in zoning regulations for the block permitted the use of the building for business purposes.

References: “Another Ward Deal on 72d Street,” New York Times, December 22, 1926, 38.

Site Features: In-ground metal hatch in sidewalk

Notable History and Residents: The Sugar Bar, which presently occupies the building, was
\ established in 1996 by Nickolas Ashford and is co-owned by his wife Valerie Simpson, together known as songwriting and recording artists Ashford & Simpson. The renowned duo joined  Motown in 1966 where two of their best-known songs included “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need To Get By.” In 1978, they wrote the Chaka Khan’s hit song “I’m Every Woman.” As performers, Ashford & Simpson’s best-known duet is probably “Solid (As a Rock)” (1984). Ashford & Simpson were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

References: Ben Sisario, “Nick Ashford, of Motown Writing Duo, Dies at 70,” New York Times, August 22, 2011, A23; “Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson Songwriting Team Dies at 70,” Los Angeles Times, August 24, 2011.

North Facade: Designed (historic)
Stoop: Removed
Door(s): Replaced primary door
Windows: Mixed
Storefront(s): Altered (first story); historic (second story)
Roof: Historic (pitched – possibly historic red fish-scale shingles)
Notable Roof Features: Pitched with street-facing dormers
Cornice: Original
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry