History and architecture
This house adjoins and may be considered a part of that outstanding group of neo-Federal townhouses which extends along the west side of Park Avenue, between East 68th and 69th Streets. The houses on Park Avenue are sometimes referred to as the "Pyne-Davison Blokkfront" due to their uniform architectural quality.
It was designed by the architectural firm of Trowbridge & Livingston and was built in 1913-14. The height of its first story base, the belt course between the third and fourth floors and the roof cornice are set at approximately the same level as those of the corner house, No. 680 Park Avenue.
Only two bays wide, No. 49 East 68th Street is given interest and importance by a twin-arched loggia at street level. This is made possible by having the wall of the first floor set back about six feet from the building line. The arch on the right leads to the arched entrance doorway, while that on the left leads directly to the basement stairs protected by a low iron railing and gate. An arched window is set above the basement entrance door.
The second-story windows were originally muntined casements extending to the floor. These and all the other windows facing the street were replaced with single fixed sheets of plate glass, when the entire structure was air-conditioned, however, the two second-story windows have retained their thin vertical limestone reveals at the windows. The second floor lintels consist of delicate projecting cornices supported on console brackets. The third story windows have paneled stone lintels, while a limestone horizontal belt course separates the third and fourth floors and serves as a sill for the fourth floor windows. A simple limestone roof cornice crowns the brickwork of the facade, which is laid up in English bond. The copper covered gambrel roof above is pierced by two pedimented dormer windows.
This house was built as a residence for J. William Clark, a grandson of the Patrick Clark who invented the form of cotton sewing thread, that was first produced in Paisley, Scotland in 1812. Clark's sewing thread was introduced to America in 1818, but, during the Civil War, when importing became difficult, William Clark and his brother opened a thread mill in Newark, New Jersey, where a 6-cord thread, trademarked "O.N.T." (Our New Thread), was perfected and became famous. Today this building is known as "Automation House".
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.