The Colosseum

The Colosseum is a ten-story residential building in Morningside Heights featuring a distinctive curved stone facade that runs along Riverside Drive at the intersection of 116th Street. The building rises approximately 132 feet and contains spacious apartments with layouts typical of early 20th-century luxury residential design.

The building was constructed in 1910 by the architectural firm Schwartz & Gross during a period of rapid development in upper Manhattan. This era saw the transformation of the area into a desirable residential neighborhood for affluent families.

The marble-adorned lobby and spacious four-bedroom apartments reflect the early 20th-century standards for upscale Manhattan residential buildings.

The building is currently managed by Columbia University and serves as housing for faculty members in a location with convenient access to public transportation. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and public areas, though access to residential units remains restricted.

The curved facade was intentionally designed to pair with its neighbor The Paterno, creating a symmetrical gateway composition on 116th Street. This collaborative architectural approach remains largely unnoticed by passersby despite being a distinctive feature of the streetscape.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1910

Architects: Schwartz & Gross

Floors above the ground: 10

GPS coordinates: 40.76770,-73.98331

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04