05 / 06 · THE CENTURY
FIRM OF IRWIN S. CHANIN (JACQUES DELAMARRE, DESIGN DIRECTOR) · 1931
The Century
NYC INDIVIDUAL LANDMARK · CONTRIBUTING PROPERTY, CENTRAL PARK WEST HISTORIC DISTRICT
History of the Building
Architectural Context
The Century was completed in 1931 by Irwin S. Chanin's organization on the former Century Theatre site. Earlier plans for a much taller commercial development gave way to an Art Deco apartment building during the Depression.
Significance
Together with the Majestic, San Remo and Eldorado, its twin towers helped establish Central Park West's distinctive skyline. The design balances horizontal bands with vertical window bays and sculptural crowns. The LPC designated the Century Apartments on July 9, 1985, under LP-1517.
Building Description
A nineteen-story street-wall base supports two towers with geometric crowns. Tan and light-brown brick, rust-colored spandrels, bowed window bays, corner solaria and cantilevered balconies articulate the elevations. Rose-colored granite and an ochre stone base frame the lower floors; a rear garden occupies the building's U-shaped plan.
Landmark Designations
The Century
National Register of Historic Places
November 9, 1982
New York State Register of Historic Places
November 9, 1982
NYC Individual Landmark
July 9, 1985
Central Park West Historic District
Contributing property
Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District
Within district · LPC April 24, 1990
Scope of Work
- 01
Close Range Exterior Examinations
Close range examination of the Art Deco facade's brick, stone, concrete and metal elements, with photographic documentation and condition records for the restoration project.
- 02
Construction Documentation
Preparation and coordination of exterior restoration documentation addressing the recorded conditions, materials and repair requirements.
- 03
Bidding
Invitation list development, contractor qualification review, bid leveling and contractor selection recommendations for the restoration work.
- 04
Construction Administration
Responses to contractor requests for information, review of shop drawings and submittals, mockup observations, payment application review and field coordination across the project team.
- 05
Closeout
Punchlist administration, warranty documentation and final payment review for the restoration work.
- 06
FISP Support
Cycle planning and inspection support across the building's filing window, coordinated with the responsible project professionals.
