At the corner of West 127th Street and 5th Avenue is one of our favorite adaptive reuse condominiums in Harlem, but we often think something is missing on the restored facade when we pass by. The second photo shows two handsome columns out in front of the building and this had us wondering if they had formerly supported an awning or had some other use. While walking in the neighborhoods further west, the answer might have been found in the globe lights that line some of luxury prewar buildings in Morningside Heights (last photo). We found most of the globe lights were supported by cast iron columns but would imagine some of the more expensive buildings at the turn of the century could have had the carved stone variety. All photos by Ulysses.
At the corner of West 127th Street and 5th Avenue is one of our favorite adaptive reuse condominiums in Harlem, but we often think something is missing on the restored facade when we pass by. The second photo shows two handsome columns out in front of the building and this had us wondering if they had formerly supported an awning or had some other use. While walking in the neighborhoods further west, the answer might have been found in the globe lights that line some of luxury prewar buildings in Morningside Heights (last photo). We found most of the globe lights were supported by cast iron columns but would imagine some of the more expensive buildings at the turn of the century could have had the carved stone variety. All photos by Ulysses.
Definitely on the mark with those globe lamp posts! The funky lights currently on this beautiful prewar structure are hideous. The developer also screwed-up the floor plans on some of the units which is why some units took so long to sell. But this area is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI have seen archival drawings of the building and indeed, those columns did originazlly support globe lights. Restoring the columns to this usewould be a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteGreat story and one of my favorite buildings. I always wondered what those columns where, now we know. The developer invested a lot of effort restoring the posts along with the detailed bases. Crowning the columns with globe lanterns should not cost a great deal and would transform them from odd looking structures to a much nicer entrance as the original architect intended. Let’s hope the condo board can bring that about if they have some extra funds in the future
ReplyDeleteAlso, another minor investment would be to replace those huge gold numerals, 2056, with a nicer font, I think those letters let down the entrance. And while they are at it, remove the cheap stick on numbers on the aluminum door lintel, please. Otherwise, a fabulous building.
ReplyDeleteI've seen period photographs but never any lamps of any kind on these monolithic pylons...?
ReplyDelete@michael heny adams: See Harlem Bespoke September 15, 2009 DWELL.
ReplyDeleteThere is a drawwing of the building in which thwo globes are clearly visible.
"two" globes. Hate those typos.
ReplyDeleteOK.... So here's the inside story...
ReplyDeleteI live in this building and a board has not been formed yet.
This well be one of many issues we have correct when the
delevoper hand over his crown!!