160 East 92nd Street House

History and architecture

A rare surviving remnant of the early years of the village of Yorkville, the 160 East 92nd Street House (1852-53) is a two-and-a-half-story vernacular clapboard dwelling which displays elements of the Greek Revival and Italianate styles. One of the oldest of the few intact nineteenth-century wooden houses which remain in Manhattan north of Greenwich Village, it dates from a period in which many of the houses on the outskirts of the city were of frame construction (prior to the implementation of an overall ban in Manhattan, due to fire hazards). It was probably built by Albro Howell, a carpenter-builder who lived next door and was active in developing the block. The four fluted Corinthian columns of the front porch are c. 1929-31 replacements, reminiscent of the originals. Owned by the prominent Straight family from 1914 to 1942, the house served as living quarters for their staff.