Intriguing isn’t it? This building before us The Cliff Dwelling. It’s more than just apartments. It’s a time capsule. A testament to a unique vision from 1914.
The Cliff Dwelling at 243 Riverside Drive or 337 West 96th Street. Architect Herman Lee Meader designed this marvel. He was obsessed with Mayan and Aztec architecture. This passion is evident in the building’s facade. Look closely. You’ll see mountain lines rattlesnakes and buffalo skulls. Uncommon right?
The Cliff Dwelling wasn’t always apartments. Initially it was a high-class apartment hotel. Residents enjoyed hotel amenities. Maid service and a restaurant were available. Two or three-room suites rented for $100 and up. That’s quite a bit even for today’s standards.
The building sits on a peculiar plot of land. It’s a narrow triangular shape. Only nine feet wide at its northern end. Meader cleverly designed the apartments to face Riverside Park. He minimized windows on the rear side. This maximized space and light within the apartments.
The Cliff Dwelling’s residents were a fascinating bunch. From professionals to artists. Even a famous Yiddish theatre star Boris Thomashefsky lived here. The building also witnessed drama. A murder suicide and a feud between neighbours. The building has seen it all.
The Cliff Dwelling eventually became cooperative apartments. Some owners added small kitchens. This unfortunately meant guests had to pass through the kitchen to reach the living room. The original glass and iron marquee is gone. However Meader’s unique decorations remain. They are a reminder of this building’s vibrant past. A lasting legacy indeed.
So there you have it The Cliff Dwelling. A building with a story to tell. A story that continues to unfold with every passing day. It’s much more than meets the eye. A true hidden gem of New York City.