NYC Facades

An architecturally confused building

This building evokes the cast-iron lofts of soho, with its, well, cast-iron center, yet it retains the brick structure. I love the composition, with the “picture” and “frame,” including the unassuming lintel centered across the top.

Gothic entryway

One of the best features of gothic architecture is its fractal nature; it has an overall design, but it is somehow self-referential with the vertical motif. The motley brick selection and original entranceway (a rarety) make this rather interesting.

Extension above the ave

I think the juxtaposition of this stately old building and the offset extension is interesting. This is the “On the Ave” hotel.

Full facade

Upper story detail

This building is quite a trip. The monstrous white pilasters and corbels are in contrast to jet-black  oriel windows and an otherwise completely undecorated facade (although that generally implies the facade was redone and the decoration removed). A mansard and hood arches, mullions and dormer windows. A long balcony and ornamentation. Is there anything this building doesn’t have?

A short, unassuming building defaced.

The corbels and pilasters make this building, as well as the unusual window spandrels; what are those little things? Indian shields?

Front on 79th and Broadway

Belltower

Rectory wing

This church is quite wonderful to see from both close and afar. Although many churches are quite distinct (as they are neither torn down or modified) in the city, this building feels very relevant and integral to the street corner; it is not overshadowed on all sides, nor does it crowd the sidewalk.

Take a look at the official website and also the wikipedia page, which gives a decent history. As they say on that page, the facade is imbued with symoblism, not incomplete.

An upscale take on the tenement

While i have nothing against this building, its narrow airshafts have become the defining features of the new-law tenements. I do wonder why the stonework in the corners gives way to less attractive brickwork above the 3rd floor.

Ornate entranceway

The enoromous relief in this entranceway make it a visual playground. See also this site for additional history.

Castle fortress

Are the air shaft storefronts original?

This building is a classic tenement style. It has the ornamentation, including three distinct sections, topped by a cornice, and also the minimum-regulation air shaft.

It is a little difficult to see in this picture, but this is the case with many buildings: was it always intended for the storefronts to fill the airshaft on the 1st story? That is, there is an archway above that seems stunted for spanning what is essentially an empty gap. On the other hand, many buildings, such as The Park Row Building (in another way; there are closer matches in the neighborhood I haven’t documented), do the same thing.

This funny building has the Beaux Art look on the bottom, but an unusual curved roof devoid of ornamentation. In all likelihood, it was modified to remove difficult-to-maintain gables and dormer windows when the roof was repaired in the past. (A few years ago there was work done on the building, including upgrading the lobby to have a more luxury feel, or so it seemed from the street.)