The Pythian, 135 West 70th Street, NYC - Condo Apartments
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The Pythian at 135 West 70th Street stands as one of Manhattan's most architecturally striking buildings, designed by renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1927. Originally built as a meeting hall for the Knights of Pythias fraternal organization, the building showcases spectacular Egyptian Revival architecture featuring polychrome Doric columns, blue glazed terra cotta entry pavilion, and four seated Pharaonic figures reminiscent of those at Abu Simbel. The façade's brilliant colors and ancient motifs create what critics have called a "blockbuster synthesis of Egyptian, Babylonian and Assyrian motifs," making it one of the city's most visually captivating residential buildings.
The building's rich cultural history extends beyond its architectural significance. In the 1950s, Decca Records operated studios within the building, where Bill Haley and His Comets recorded the iconic "Rock Around the Clock" in 1954. Other legendary artists including Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., and Buddy Holly also recorded there, cementing the building's place in music history. The building later gained additional celebrity connection as the childhood home of Lady Gaga, adding to its cultural legacy.
Converted to a condominium in 1983 by architect David Gura, The Pythian contains 84 unique apartments, many featuring dramatic duplex and triplex layouts with soaring double height ceilings that reflect the building's original grand meeting hall spaces. The conversion cleverly integrated new windows around the decorative elements while preserving the building's exuberant ornamentation. Common apartment features include private terraces, in-unit washers and dryers, and unusual floor plans with rooms threaded through the original steel trusses that once supported the massive auditorium.
The full service building offers residents a doorman, live-in superintendent, newly renovated gym, children's playroom, and bike storage in a pet friendly environment. Located on a quiet tree lined block between Broadway and Columbus Avenue, The Pythian provides easy access to Central Park, Lincoln Center, and excellent transportation via the 1/2/3 and B/C subway lines at 72nd Street, making it a coveted address in the heart of the Upper West Side.
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