243 Riverside Drive

New York's architecture is often referred to in terms usually associated with nature... SKYscrapers, CANYON of Heroes, etc.   And when you look at 243 Riverside Drive you can see why it's called The Cliff Dwelling.  

The tall orange/yellow brick facade looks like a high cliff facing the banks of the Hudson.  In fact, it is meant to recall the ancient cliff dwellings in Colorado and Arizona...

This Southwestern motif is continued in the awesome ornamentation. Including buffalo skulls..

Mountain lions and rattlesnakes...

Buffalo heads and Mayan masks...

The Cliff Dwelling was built in 1916 by Herman Lee Meader.  It is topped by a very pronounced cornice just below the roofline, which has curved, arched elements. 

The A.I.A. Guide to New York City calls it "An odd building predating the Art Deco interest in Mayan motifs." Odd as it may be, I love it.  Even the fire escapes...

 There is something neat about all those criss-crossing dark lines against the lighter brick...

All in all, it's a cool building for Manhattan's modern cliff dwellers.