The Upper West Side is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, each with its own rich history and trivia. Let's dive in!
The Dakota
The Dakota, at 1 West 72nd Street, is perhaps the most famous building in the area. Completed in 1884, it was designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. Rumor has it that the name "Dakota" was a playful jab at its remote location at the time of construction. It became a landmark after John Lennon was tragically shot outside its gates in 1980.
The Ansonia
The Ansonia, situated at 2109 Broadway, was completed in 1904 and designed by architect Paul E. Duboy. This Beaux-Arts beauty initially served as a residential hotel. It had an array of quirky features, including its very own farm on the roof, complete with chickens and ducks.
The San Remo
The San Remo, located at 145 Central Park West, is an iconic twin-towered building completed in 1930. Designed by Emery Roth, it was the first residential building in New York City to feature twin towers. Fun fact: the towers are purely decorative and only contain water tanks and mechanical equipment.
The Apthorp
The Apthorp, at 2211 Broadway, is a grand residential building constructed in 1908, designed by Clinton & Russell. Built to mimic the grandeur of European palaces, it boasts a magnificent courtyard. It was designated a New York City landmark in 1969.
The Eldorado
The Eldorado, at 300 Central Park West, was built in 1931 and designed by Margon & Holder with significant input from Emery Roth. Known for its Art Deco style, it has a storied past with residents like Alec Baldwin and Michael J. Fox.
The Beresford
The Beresford, located at 211 Central Park West, is another masterpiece by Emery Roth, completed in 1929. This three-towered building is known for its lavish apartments, which have housed celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Diana Ross.
The Langham
The Langham, at 135 Central Park West, was built in 1907 and designed by Clinton & Russell. It embodies the elegance of early 20th-century architecture and has been home to luminaries such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The Belleclaire
The Belleclaire, at 250 West 77th Street, is a lesser-known but equally fascinating building. Completed in 1903 and designed by Emery Roth, it originally operated as a hotel. It features a blend of Art Nouveau and Beaux-Arts styles.
Each of these buildings adds a unique chapter to the architectural story of the Upper West Side, making it a living museum of New York City's architectural evolution.