Nestled on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Harperley Hall stands as an architectural marvel and a testament to New York's rich history. As a team passionate about historic preservation and architectural excellence, Harperley Hall has been a frequent site for us to showcase our talents over the years.
Built in 1911, this handsome, pre-war, 12-story apartment building at 41 Central Park West, on the northwest corner at 64th Street, is more than just a residential building; it is a cooperative that has become infamous as Madonna's residence and dance studio. Harperley Hall is a rare example of Arts and Crafts style architecture in New York, making it a unique and valuable piece of the city's architectural heritage.
The vision for this building was brought to life by architect Henry W. Wilkerson, who partnered with several other creative minds to develop the building as a cooperative – the first of its kind on Central Park West. With only 85 very large apartments, Harperley Hall exudes an air of exclusivity and elegance.
One of its distinctive features is its U-shaped design, with a T-shaped courtyard. The building's exterior is adorned with ribbon brick coursing in a Flemish Bond pattern, along with classical granite and limestone foundation, entablature, and cornices. Wilkerson named Harperley Hall after a manor house in Northumberland, England, which reportedly was his ancestral home, adding a touch of personal history to this architectural gem.
While the exterior is a sight to behold, our work on this project focused on preserving its historic charm while upgrading its functionality. For this project, we installed solid mahogany #parrettwindows and #marvinwindows, following strict landmark guidelines and special engineering specifications. This included the complete removal of the existing original or replacement windows, removal of all old framing, repair of existing masonry openings, reframing with fire-rated lumber, installation of vapor/water barriers, termination bars, seam sealers, and solid blocking with properly spaced anchors.
Harperley Hall, also known as 1 West 64th Street, is not just a building; it is a piece of New York's history. Its side-street entrance, complete with a guardhouse, adds to its allure and mystique. Working on projects like Harperley Hall reminds us of the importance of preserving our architectural heritage and ensuring that these landmarks continue to stand tall for years to come.
