Riverside-West 105th Street Historic District

In a time when Riverside Drive glittered with mansions, a unique neighborhood emerged. The Riverside-West 105th Street Historic District, designated in 1973, offers a glimpse into a different era of upscale city living. This enclave of row houses and townhouses, built between 1899 and 1902, showcases the architectural styles of the time. English Edwardian and French Beaux-Arts influences blend seamlessly within the Riverside-West 105th Street Historic District. The district’s cohesive feel is remarkable. The short construction period, the use of similar materials like limestone, and the detailed Beaux-Arts touches created a unified streetscape. Restrictive covenants ensured the neighborhood’s upscale character. These covenants mandated “suitable character” in the buildings. This encouraged high-quality materials and limited construction to single-family homes. Imagine strolling down West 105th Street, admiring the elegant row houses. They stand at the same height, set back equally from the street, their English basement entrances greeting you at street level. Strong cornices, decorative iron balconies, and mansard roofs emphasize horizontal lines. These elements create a sense of harmony. The bowed fronts of the masonry bays add a rhythmic flow as the street slopes down to Riverside Drive. As you reach Riverside Drive, taller, equally grand homes welcome you to the district. The houses at 301-307 West 105th Street, built between 1899 and 1900, embody Edwardian English design. Note the intricate ironwork at the entries, supported by Victorian Baroque corbelled terraces. Across the street, 302-320 West 105th Street present a slightly different take. These red brick and limestone houses, also designed by Janes & Leo, display bolder bays, parapets, balustrades, and grillwork. At 310 West 105th Street, once home to a Westinghouse patent attorney, you’ll find a unique treasure: the original, still functioning Westinghouse elevator. The Riverside-West 105th Street Historic District encapsulates the elegance and architectural aspirations of a bygone era. It’s a testament to the power of design and community vision. The district remains a hidden gem, whispering stories of a time when Riverside Drive was truly a grand boulevard.