P R O P O S E D   H I S T O R I C   D I S T R I C T   E X T E N S I O N

- To return to the extension map -

NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN
295 Park Avenue South
Architects: Renwick, Aspinwall & Renwick
1892

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was organized in 1875 in response to a law passed in that year by the New York State Legislature authorizing the establishment of branches of this child-welfare organization in each county of state. The organization was established to investigate cases of cruelty to children under the age of 16, to care for abused children, and to assist in the enforcement of laws established to protect children.

The Society's building on the southeast corner of Park Avenue South and East 23rd STreet was begun in 1892, the same year that work began on the adjoining United Charities Building. It is clear from the restrained exterior design that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children did not wish to expend a great deal of unnecessary money on the embellishment of their new headquareters. The building has an unadorned stone base, a simple yesllow brick upper facade, and modest terra-cotta detail. The major ornamental features are located on the seventh floor, where terra-cotta panels with figures of children represent the original use of the building. These panels are modeled after those designed by Andrea Della Robbia at the Ospedale degli Innocenti in Florence. This terra-cotta work was created by the Perth Amboy Terra Cotta Company. The main entrance, located in the center of the Park Avenue South elevation, was originally set within a projecting two-story portico with freestanding columns, but this entrance has been cut back to the building line. The building has been converted into apartments.