Perspectives

Title: Central Park Lake. With its ample supply of rowboats, rowers and their passive companions can tour the many sites bordering the 220 acres of water (all accessible to pedestrians as well) including the Central Park West skyline, which includes some of the most iconic New York City architecture. From this vantage point, which looks north-northwest, we are treated to 2 classically inspired New York City buildings designed by famed architect Emery Roth. First, on the left, is the San Remo (completed 1930), the city's first twin tower, capped by circular colonnades inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. Right of center is the massive but less lofty Beresford (completed 1929), with its 3 massive octagonal, copper-capped towers. As with much of the city's skyline, zoning laws influenced design. The 1916 zoning law required setbacks for high rises to preserve sunlight and air flow at street level, and influenced the Beresford, while the Multiple Dwelling Law of 1929 only accommodated a massive and towering residential complex like the San Remo conditional on a split tower, for similar reasons. If one walks or sails slightly to the left, a third Emery Roth building, the El Dorado, comes into view to the north.