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The Ansonia

A lavish Beaux-Arts landmark on the Upper West Side, The Ansonia is a former luxury residential hotel turned condominium that embodies the opulence of early 20th-century New York City.

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The Ansonia
www.theansonia.com, og_image_www.theansonia.com

What is The Ansonia known for?

The Ansonia is a New York City designated landmark and a notable example of Beaux-Arts architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is known for its opulent early 20th-century elegance and for housing many wealthy and famous residents, including opera singers, conductors, and baseball players.

Where is it located?

It is located at 2109 Broadway, between West 73rd and 74th Streets on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.

What is the history of the building?

Built between 1899 and 1903 (debuting in 1904) by William Earle Dodge Stokes, it originally opened as a luxury residential hotel. It was later converted into luxury condominiums in 1992.

What does the architecture look like?

Designed by French architect Paul Emile Duboy in the Beaux-Arts style, the building features a limestone, granite, white brick, and terracotta facade. Its distinctive design includes corner turrets, a three-story mansard roof, light courts, and an ornate cornice.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Ansonia is a striking 17-story structure located at 2109 Broadway, positioned between West 73rd and 74th Streets on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Designed by French architect Paul Emile Duboy in the Beaux-Arts style, the building was constructed between 1899 and 1903 and debuted as a luxury residential hotel in 1904. It was commissioned by William Earle Dodge Stokes, who named the edifice after his grandfather, the industrialist Anson Greene Phelps. Architecturally, the building is a notable example of French Second Empire design. Its facade is composed of limestone, granite, white brick, and terracotta, featuring corner turrets, light courts, and a three-story mansard roof. The exterior is further adorned with elaborate balconies and a richly adorned cornice, making it one of the most recognizable structures in Manhattan. Originally constructed with as many as 2,500 rooms, the building's interior layout has since been downsized to 425 apartments. Despite this change in use, it remains a New York City designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building's history is steeped in the arts, as it has housed many famous and wealthy residents, including opera singers, conductors, and baseball players over the years.

Visitor tips

  • Look up at the ornate cornice and the three-story mansard roof for the best architectural details.
  • Photograph the corner turrets and limestone facade from across the street for a full view of the building's scale.
  • Since the building is now a private condominium, focus your visit on the exterior architecture rather than attempting to enter the lobby.
  • Visit during the day to see the detail of the terracotta and white brick work.

Nearby context

The Ansonia is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side's architectural heritage, standing as a massive presence on Broadway between West 73rd and 74th Streets, contributing to the opulent atmosphere of the Upper West Side's historic residential district.

Sources

Evidence and links