The Massena, 944 Park Avenue: Review and Ratings

Review of 944 Park Avenue by Carter Horsley

Erected in 1933, this very interesting Art Deco apartment building at 944 Park Avenue between 81^st and 82^nd Street was converted to a condominium in 1995.

The 17-story, midblock building has only 23 apartments.

It was designed by George F. Pelham and built by Samuel Silver, who also erected 1100 Park Avenue.

Bottom Line

The geometric patterning of the masonry façade of this pre-war apartment building is marvelous.

Description

Above its one-story limestone base, the façade consists of yellow-beige brick and some terracotta ornamentation. The second through the fifth floors have pilasters whose angled bricks created fluting and topped by one-story-high floral ornamentation. Vertical brick “dots” separate the pilasters and window sills appear to be supported by brick “fences.”  The overall effect is subtle, very sophisticated and extremely impressive.

The canopied, one-step-up entrance is flanked by light sconces and sidewalk landscaping.

The building has consistent fenestration.

Amenities

The building has a doorman and gym, but no garage, no roof deck, and no balconies. It permits pets.

Apartments

Apartment 11B is a one-bedroom unit that has an entry foyer that leads to a 22-foot-long living room and a 12-foot-long dining room next to an enclosed kitchen.

The duplex penthouse has a 25-foot-long living room with fireplace and a 19-foot-long dining room next to a 12-foot-long kitchen.

Apartment 5B is a three-bedroom unit that has a 27-foot-long entrance gallery that opens onto a 24-foot-long living room with a decorative fireplace, a 29-foot-long library and a 21-foot-long dining room with a decorative fireplace next to a 15-foot-long butler’s pantry, a 17-foot-long, eat-in kitchen, a laundry room and a maid’s room.

The second floor is a three-bedroom unit with a 26-foot-long entrance gallery that leads to a 26-foot-long living room, a 21-foot-long library and a 22-foot-long dining room next to a 15-foot-long kitchen and an 11-foot-long maid’s room.

Location

The building is very close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue and is on the same block as one of the city's best schools, PS 6, which is on Madison Avenue. There are several other schools in the area as well as numerous religious institutions and there is good cross-town bus service on 79th Street.