535 Park Avenue, Cooperative apartment building in Upper East Side, Manhattan, US
535 Park Avenue is a cooperative apartment building in Manhattan completed in 1910, featuring Georgian and Colonial architectural elements. The structure displays a distinctive facade with white glazed terra-cotta on its lower two floors that contrasts with red brick in the upper sections.
The building was created in 1910 by a corporation of future owners rather than a traditional real estate developer, pioneering an early housing cooperative model. This unusual ownership structure made it a forerunner in providing residential options formed by groups of private individuals.
The building has housed artists and intellectuals who shaped cultural life on the Upper East Side over the decades. Its Georgian and Colonial style reflects architectural preferences that remain respected in this neighborhood.
The building is located at the intersection of Park Avenue and 61st Street with access to multiple subway lines and nearby dining and cultural spaces. As a private residential cooperative, the interior is not open to visitors, but the exterior facade can be viewed from the street.
The building earned the nickname 'Palazzo Spotti' because of the striking contrast between its terra-cotta base and the red brick walls above. This playful name references Italian palazzo architecture while highlighting the visual impact of its two-tone color scheme.
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