Building: 194 Riverside Drive

194 Riverside Drive is located on the short strip between 91st and 92nd Street drawing quiet attention with its private, cul-de-sac feel. Built in 1901 by famed New York architect, Ralph S. Townsend, 194 Riverside Drive, along with neighboring 425 West End Avenue, on the corner of West 80th Street, are representative of Townsend’s neo-Renaissance buildings built at the turn of the century. The bold curvaceous façades of the buildings stand out from the neighboring buildings, even from 190 Riverside Drive directly next to 194, also designed by Townsend slightly later in 1910. 194 Riverside Drive’s commanding portal draws the eye with an elegant portico of smooth marble columns and two charming lion head relief sculptures flanking the front door.
This seven-story, turn-of-the-century building was originally designed with three 13-room apartments per floor, but over the years many were divided into smaller apartments. Today, there are 42 units and other than 3 of the original 13-room apartments, the rest of the building is comprised of two and three bedroom units ranging from approximately 1290-2000 square feet. Homeowners and prospective purchasers are drawn to the original prewar details throughout the building, including high beam ceilings, inlaid hardwood parquet floors, delicately tiled fireplaces (now decorative), spectacular moldings, charming bay windows with original banquettes, and plenty of storage with spacious walk-in closets.
194 Riverside Drive boasts a full-time doorman, children’s playroom, private storage, and bike room and is also pet friendly. Across from the building, begins Riverside Drive Island (from 92nd to 95th Street) with the bronze Joan of Arc monument designed by Anna Vaugn Hyatt, dedicated in 1915.

Building Description Provided by Carolyn Zweben