535 Park Avenue

Its architectural design and decoration was described as both Georgian and Colonial style at the time of its completion.[2][1] Herbert Lucas used similar architectural features from 24 Gramercy Park South, a building he designed, including the splayed lintels, simple brick and half-oval balconies.[1]

A characteristic feature of this particular building is the white glazed terra-cotta of the two lower floors that contrasts with the red brick from the upper floors.[1] Some critics were offended by this contrast, denouncing the terra-cotta as “cheap finery” and qualifying the building as “Palazzo Spotti.”[1][3]

The building in 1911.

The project started when the site at the corner of 61st Street and Park Avenue was acquired in early 1909 by a corporation known as Number 535 Park Avenue.[4] The project was viewed as a step to reimprove the north section of Park Avenue.[4]

The construction project was unusual at the time in the sense that it was led by a corporation of its future owners instead of being led by a real estate developer.[4] The future owners were organized as a housing cooperative, which was uncommon at the time. Unlike contemporary co-op buildings where most of their units are owned, in early co-op buildings half of its units were being rented by the owners.[1]

Notable residents include American painter Lydia Field Emmet.[1]