(Thursday) doors and windows

caught between–
the interior,
the façade,
the threshold–
layers that weave together
memory’s passing

Designed by architect Joseph M Dunn in 1888, 117-119 West 74th Street originally stretched from 103-131. As is the case with so many brownstones, they were de-stooped, divided into apartments, and had fallen into disrepair by the 1960s when the remaining buildings were combined and reconstructed by architect Morris Kweller, who covered the original red brick and terracotta with white paint and a false white brick facade.

The original steps up to the arched doors were replaced with basement-level entrances.

In the early 1990s the false facade began to peel off. Instead of allowing the owner to replace it, Landmarks required them to restore as much of the original facade as possible and remove the white paint. Everyone was surprised at how much of it had survived.

I first noticed these buildings because of the windows, and I was right in thinking that at least one of each pair was originally a door at the top of steps. Although not totally returned to their former glory, the buildings are still lovely additions to the streetscape.

On a separate note, the garden in Riverside Park is still blooming.

You can always find more doors and share your own here at Thursday Doors, hosted by Dan Antion.