The Paterno

The Paterno is a 13-story residential building at 440 Riverside Drive distinguished by a curved facade accented with marble details and an ornate stained-glass ceiling in its lobby. The Renaissance Revival design gives the structure a classical European character that stands out along Riverside Drive.

Built in 1910 by the architectural firm Schwartz & Gross, the building emerged during Manhattan's period of rapid residential expansion in the early twentieth century. The structure represents how established architectural practices shaped the residential neighborhoods that form the upper west side today.

The building's curved form shapes how people experience Riverside Drive when walking past, creating a distinctive visual marker in the neighborhood. Its marble-accented exterior speaks to residents who value architectural character in a central yet quieter residential area.

The building sits near Columbia University with access to multiple subway lines, making it easy to navigate the city by public transportation. Its location along Riverside Drive puts you within walking distance of Riverside Park and provides views toward the Hudson River.

The Paterno and its counterpart across 116th Street form a natural pair of gateposts that the New York Times identified as a defining entrance to the area. This architectural pairing creates a visual anchor that helps visitors sense they have entered a distinct neighborhood.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1910

Architects: Schwartz & Gross

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 13

GPS coordinates: 40.80890,-73.96530

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:58