NYC Facades

Note the paneled cornice

Many of the features on this building are unusual: the cornice on most buildings is a frieze, whereas this one is decidedly not; it has quions, which are unusual for the Upper West Side, it has decorative brickerwork (in the middle windows, as well as long horizontal sections beneath that); pilasters and archways; a deep red color.

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.

Insignia with stained glass

Year under the chimney (?)

This is an unassuming building with some great detail, shown here. Note the lion and human faces in the corbels; what do they represent?

Multi-story extension

One thing that has caught my attention about buildings is the extensions.This is a good example, and an easy one to spot; they clearly added an extra three stories in a different color without extending the stone lintel pattersn. However, it also seems they added an extra story before that; why else is there a thick white line ringing the building but the remnant of the original cornice?

Ornate water tower

The water tower and parapet are among the most decorated parts of this building. However, that is partly the result of lazy repair work done to remove the cornice (clearly visible at the bottom of the picture by the thick light brick line). One has to wonder whether anything other than style motivated the decoration so far removed from the street.

Clearly removed cornice

I like the fan-like lintels as well as the heavy arches on the top windows; the heavy relief (or what appears to be relief in this light) gives a great character. I venture so far as to say the missing cornice enhances the effect.

Full view

Lower decoration

Upper decoration

Although this building was built in 1925, it did not become a Sofia Storage location until 1950. It was originally constructed for the Metropolitan Fireproof Warehouse Company, but Sofia bought it when Metropolitan went under.

Mosaic on lower floor

There are a few buildings, particularly on Amsterdam Avenue, which can only be described as gaunt and undecorated, yet are highly ornamented at points.

Renaissance/arabic window stylings

This building is unassuming from the street, but has decorations that seem quite out of place.

This block-long pair of buildings was to be bought by a developer and have a monstrous modern condo built on top of the existing structures. Community outcry, revised zoning (in the aftermath of the Ariel East and West), and the economy killed that plan. Nonetheless, most of stores on the block closed with the exception of three restaurants. See also the Curbed coverage, including renderings of the proposed additions.