Building: 610 West End Avenue

The work of brothers George and Edward Blum was always a cut above that of other architects of their day and 610 West End Avenue is a classic example of why. Built in 1911, the structure demonstrates their imagination and ingenuity with both exterior façade and interior space design.

Not satisfied with the use of standard Classical references in the detailing
of the façade, the Blums derived their own unique vocabulary of design motifs which has its roots in the Art Nouveau movement with which they became familiar while studying in Paris. One of their trademark design elements was a unique three-sided balcony, which originally appeared between the eleventh and twelfth floors. Other unusual floral details are featured around the windows of the second floor as well as between the second and first floors.

While virtually all other buildings that originally contained apartments the size of the units at 610 West End Avenue have been subdivided, their interior details often gutted in the process, very few of the grand apartments at 610 were so altered. While the interior spaces do not include the same details shown on the exterior, the apartments have other unique design features common to the Blums. All include massive foyers/reception rooms, remarkable for a time when such common spaces were often no wider than a hallway. Dining rooms, in two of the lines, feature bay windows, thus allowing the efficient use of interior corner spaces while maximizing the light in these areas and adding architectural interest.

Read more in Deanna Kory’s “Architectural Histories” series on DeannaKory.com.

Description provided by Deanna Kory