§ 6-01 Introduction.
RCNY § 6-01
The purpose of these rules is to establish the Landmarks Preservation Commission's regulatory policy in the Riverdale Historic District. The Riverdale Historic District which was developed as an early railroad suburb is characterized as a distinct area of the city by its dramatic and verdant topography and its fine examples of nineteenth and early twentieth century dwellings and carriage houses. The houses and other buildings in the district are harmoniously sited within the landscape and are separated from each other by landscape Improvements. Landscaping in the Riverdale Historic District provides the picturesque setting which is a defining element of a romantic style suburb of the nineteenth century. Landscape Improvements such as trees, stone walls and hedges, used to define property lines, and additional plantings within the expansive gardens and alongside the houses, add to the special character of the Historic District. The district contains 34 buildings of varied type and age. The development of the Riverdale Historic District is important in understanding the district's historic character. Originally, the area was comprised of only seven estates which were served by a common carriage alley (Sycamore Avenue). All of the estates were developed in the 1850s. Several early estate houses remain, as well as stables and carriage houses (later converted for residential use). The configuration of these estates remained intact until 1935, when the original parcels began to be subdivided for development. Four new houses were built between 1935 and 1938. No new buildings were built thereafter until 1950. From 1950 to 1980 twelve new structures were constructed. These newer structures are stylistically diverse but are generally compatible with the older buildings in terms of their placement, height, materials and finish.
