ALWYN COURT | Harde & Short
New York City, NY - United States
ADDRESS:
180 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019
ACCESS:
Restricted: This is a private residence, access is not permitted.
Alwyn Court is a striking example of early twentieth-century luxury apartment architecture in Manhattan. Completed in 1909 and designed by the firm of Harde and Short, the building reflects French Renaissance Revival influences inspired by sixteenth-century châteaux. Its most remarkable feature is the exterior, which is almost completely wrapped in sculpted terracotta ornament rather than confined to limited decorative panels. The façade is organized with classical symmetry, vertical pilasters, and deeply modeled reliefs featuring foliage, heraldic forms, and fantastical creatures associated with the reign of Francis I. This dense surface decoration gives the building an unusually rich texture and visual depth. Structurally, Alwyn Court is a steel-framed high-rise typical of its era, combining modern construction with historical styling. Later interior renovations modernized the apartments while preserving the elaborate exterior, which remains one of New York City’s most ornate residential façades.
DESCRIPTION:
Designed by Beaux-Art trained architects, this building is not modern, however the design carries the influence of a changing world. The ornament is not applied traditionally, rather it consumes the entire façade. You can see the architects searching for a way to translate their traditional training into a new movement in vertical construction. The result is completely unique, making this a stand out building in New York City.
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