The John James, 775 Riverside Drive: Review and Ratings

Review of 775 Riverside Drive by Carter Horsley

The 6-story apartment building at 775 Riverside at 156^th Street in the Audubon Terrace Historic District in Washington Heights was erected in 1931.

It has 67 condominium apartments.

It is known as the John James after John James Audubon, the famed bird painter whose house had been located at 765 Riverside Drive.

It was erected by Nathaniel and Edward Brandt who also built the adjoining 765 Riverside Drive and 156-08 Riverside Drive West in a cohesive unit in Medieval Revival style.

The Brandts originally submitted plans by Albert E. Schaefer but after plans to save the original Audubon House were defeated they submitted plans by George G. Miller.  The 2009 designation report of the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the Audubon Terrace Historic District noted that Harry B. Rutkins was credited with Schaefer for the design of 765 Riverside Drive, but added that “it is possible, however, that all three buildings were actually designed by Schaefer, and that the less well-known Miller was hired in the interim to carry out Schaefer’s original designs.”

Bottom Line

This building occupies a central location in an enclave of early 20^th Century apartment buildings just to the north of Audubon Terrace and the Trinity Church Cemetery is one of Manhattan’s most impressive architectural ensembles.

Description

With castellated parapet walls and molded terra-cotta arched entrances in center courts, this building was the center of a trio of similar mid-size buildings with castellated rooflines and center court entrances.

Amenities

The building has a doorman, a fitness center and it permits pets.

Apartments

Apartment 3F is in the center of the H-shaped building and is a one-bedroom unit with an open kitchen with an island in the living room that is smaller than the bedroom.

Apartment 3D is a two-bedroom, corner apartment with an open kitchen and a study.

Apartment 2A is a one-bedroom unit with a large living room with a kitchen wing.