325 Central Park West – before the recent installation of its new awning. Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim via Flickr
There’s a new awning in town at 325 Central Park West (between 92nd and 93rd streets), and with the building’s 125th anniversary coming up, it’s time for a celebration.
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Erected in 1899, 325 Central Park West originally had a stone portico that gave the building’s façade a balanced aesthetic. However, after the subway line was built in the early 1900s, the portico was removed and later replaced by an awning, restoring balance to the facade. “A photo of the original stone portico hangs amongst a collection of historical photos in our lobby. We also have a photo of the 1930s awning,” said the board president of 325 CPW. He tells us the building has been without an awning since the 1950s.
We’re told the effort to restore the co-op’s Beau-Arts façade began in earnest about two and a half years ago with a letter from 325 CPW to Gale Brewer, seeking her support with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which she willingly provided. (Her letter of support is posted on the building community bulletin board.)
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“A great deal of back and forth between agencies, architects, expeditors, board members, and our awning manufacturer resulted in a process that took 2.5 years after the initial request,” said the board president. The main point of contention was a subway grate directly in front of the building’s entrance, as they were informed the awning poles must be set back at least 18 inches from the curb. In the end, the poles were placed 15 inches from the curb, resulting in a 3-inch variance.
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Now, the 17 families living in the building have a sturdy new maroon awning to help protect them from the elements, while restoring the long-lost Feng Shui of the façade. “We could not have erected this awning without the stalwart support of Councilwoman Gale Brewer and approvals from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Department of Transportation, and the MTA. We thank them all,” read a recent 325 CPW newsletter.
To mark the occasion of 325 Central Park West’s 125th anniversary and the installation of their new awning, the building invites its residents to celebrate with them in their lobby on October 29 at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
A book titled The House Keepers by Linda Grover was published in 1970, chronicling the history of 325 Central Park West.
