Tag Archives: Arts and Crafts

2 Cornelia Street

2 Cornelia Street

2 Cornelia Street, also known as the Varitype Building and “the Greenwich Flatiron,” is a distinctive wedge-shaped loft building turned residential condominium in 1982.

The building was originally intended for light manufacturing, offices, and artists’ lofts, according to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. As a result, the apartments have ample windows under 11-foot ceilings. Thanks to the neighborhood’s landmark status, views all around are protected from high-rise incursion.

Even though the building isn’t particularly luxurious, a 2 BR/2 Bath unit on the 2nd floor is renting for $7,500/month, while a 4 BR/3.5 Bath 10th/11th floor duplex is offered at $23,000/month. A 6th floor 2 BR/2.5 Bath apartment is listed for sale at $2.5 million.

2 Cornelia Street Vital Statistics
2 Cornelia Street Recommended Reading

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Harperly Hall

Harperly Hall, briefly infamous as Madonna’s residence and dance studio, is notable as a rare (for New York) example of Arts and Crafts style in architecture.

Henry W. Wilkerson, the architect, partnered with several other creative types to develop the building as a cooperative – the first on Central Park West.

The building has a T-shaped courtyard on W 64th Street, with three entrances at the top of the T. An iron fence and gatehouse guards the courtyard.

Harperly Hall Vital Statistics
Harperly Hall Recommended Reading

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Clebourne

The Clebourne (Cleburne) stands out, even on an avenue of standout architecture; its ornate facade and porte-cochere give the building an elegant presence. (Alas, stanchions block what was once a drive-through entrance.)

Each floor has five apartments of six to nine rooms; layouts are old-fashioned, with some very long hallways, galleries, maid’s rooms and servant’s entrances.

Of historical note, Clebourne is on the site of a former mansion owned by Isador and Ida Straus. Isador Straus was a co-owner of Macy’s; he and his wife perished with the Titanic. A memorial to the couple is in Straus Park, one block north.

Clebourne Vital Statistics
Clebourne Recommended Reading

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