Riverside Drive (Manhattan)#Development and early years

{{Infobox street

| name = Riverside Drive

| native_name =

| marker_image =

| image = 1 Riverside Drive 2008 jeh.jpg

| image_size = 250px

| image_alt = A townhouse at 1 Riverside Drive, at the corner with 72nd Street. The townhouse has a stone facade and metal roof.

| caption = 1 Riverside Drive at 72nd Street, (C.P.H. Gilbert, architect, now a satellite location for the Islamic Cultural Center of New York)

| image_map =

| other_name =

| former_names =

| namesake = Hudson River

| postal_code =

| addresses =

| length_mi =

| length_ft =

| length_km =

| length_ref =

| width =

| location = Manhattan, New York City

| client =

| owner = City of New York

| maint = NYCDOT

| coordinates =

| direction_a = South

| terminus_a = 72nd Street in Upper West Side

| junction =

| direction_b = North

| terminus_b = 181st Street in Washington Heights
Dyckman Street in Inwood (disconnected segment)

| commissioning_date = 1868

| construction_start_date = 1872

| completion_date = 1880 (original section), 1928 (final extension)

| inauguration_date =

| demolition_date =

| east = West End Avenue (72nd–107th Sts)
Broadway (107th–116th, 127–159th Sts)
Claremont Avenue (116th–127th Sts (Tiemann Pl))
Fort Washington Avenue (159th–168th Sts)
Haven Avenue (168th–181st Sts)

| west = Henry Hudson Parkway

}}

Riverside Drive is a north–south avenue in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The road runs on the west side of Upper Manhattan, generally paralleling the Hudson River and Riverside Park between 72nd Street and the vicinity of the George Washington Bridge at 181st Street. North of 96th Street, Riverside Drive is a wide divided roadway. At several locations, a serpentine service road diverges from the main road, providing access to the residential buildings. Several viaducts connect the various segments of Riverside Drive, including the {{Convert|2047|ft|adj=on}} Manhattan Valley Viaduct between Tiemann Place and 135th Street. A disconnected section of Riverside Drive exists in Inwood, Manhattan. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission has designated the original section of Riverside Drive, between 72nd and 125th streets, as part of a scenic landmark that also includes Riverside Park.

Riverside Drive was proposed as part of Riverside Park, which was established by land condemnation in 1872. Originally known as Riverside Avenue, the road opened in 1880 and originally ran between 72nd Street and the current site of Grant's Tomb. The park and avenue were originally designed by architects and horticulturalists such as Calvert Vaux and Samuel Parsons. Riverside Drive was extended north to 155th Street in the 1900s, and a viaduct carrying Riverside Drive West between 155th and 161st streets was built in the 1920s. Traffic flow on Riverside Drive was modified several times throughout the years, and the viaducts have been renovated as well. A southern extension, known as Riverside Boulevard, was built starting in the 1990s when the Riverside South complex was developed.

Between 72nd and 125th streets, nearly every block of Riverside Drive is part of a New York City historic district, and the buildings on these blocks date from before World War II. The eastern side of Riverside Drive originally included luxuriously finished row-houses interspersed with free-standing mansions, though few of the mansions remain. Some remaining mansions are the Schinasi Mansion on 107th and the Isaac L. Rice Mansion on 89th. Many of Riverside Drive's apartment buildings date from between the 1900s and the 1930s, with curving facades along the avenue; some of these buildings are designated as city landmarks. Along Riverside Drive, there are also numerous monuments such as Grant's Tomb and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, in addition to other structures such as Riverside Church. Riverside Drive has received commentary for its landscape features and architecture, and it has been depicted in works of popular media.

Route description

Starting at 72nd Street, Riverside Drive passes through the Manhattan neighborhoods of the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, Hamilton Heights, and Washington Heights.{{Cite web |title=NYCityMap |url=http://maps.nyc.gov/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150524114059/http://maps.nyc.gov/ |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=NYC.gov |publisher=New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications}}{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=C. J. |date=August 22, 2018 |title=Riverside Drive: Gentle Curves and a Well-Preserved Past |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/22/realestate/riverside-drive-gentle-curves-and-a-well-preserved-past.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} Commercial vehicles are banned from parts of Riverside Drive.{{cite web |date=May 19, 1996 |title=A Truckload of West End Traffic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-harlemupper-west-sidea-truckload-of-west-end.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103353/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-harlemupper-west-sidea-truckload-of-west-end.html |url-status=live }}

Unlike other avenues in Manhattan, Riverside Drive is curved because its original designer, Frederick Law Olmsted, did not like sharp corners. A narrow service road diverges from Riverside Drive at several points, creating traffic islands.{{cite news |last=Irwin |first=Will |date=July 17, 1927 |title=Riverside Drive: This Winding Parkway Ale the Hudson, Now Given Over to Apartments Would Have Been New York's "Society Row" If Logic Had Decided |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=SM14 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113678567}}}} For a short stretch near 122nd Street, the avenue splits into two roadways, one each to the west and east of Grant's Tomb; the western roadway carries southbound traffic, while the eastern roadway carries northbound traffic. There are several viaducts along the route of Riverside Drive, including at 96th Street on the Upper West Side; between Tiemann Place and 135th Street in Manhattanville; and between 155th and 161st streets in Hamilton Heights. The street atop the viaduct in Hamilton Heights is officially named Riverside Drive West, while the original Riverside Drive curves inland.

North of 181st Street, Riverside Drive merges with the northbound lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway; as such, there is a gap in the road between 181st Street and Dyckman Street. A disconnected section of Riverside Drive begins at the Henry Hudson Parkway's Dyckman Street exit in Inwood, ending at Broadway. South of 72nd Street, Riverside Drive continues as Riverside Boulevard, which extends south to 59th Street.{{cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Aileen |date=February 13, 2019 |title=Riverside Boulevard: A Parade of Tall Buildings With Amenities Galore |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/realestate/riverside-boulevard-a-parade-of-tall-buildings-with-amenities-galore.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}

= Viaducts =

== 96th Street ==

File:96 under RSD jeh.JPG

A small bridge carries Riverside Drive over 96th Street.{{cite news |date=April 27, 1902 |title=The Much Discussed Riverside Drive Viaduct, at 96th Street, is Now Approaching Completion: Ninety-sixth-st. Viaduct Work on This Riverside Drive Improvement Nearly Completed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-much-discussed-rive/130176420/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |work=New-York Tribune |page=B2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571188916}} |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817185020/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-much-discussed-rive/130176420/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=June 27, 1974 |title=Riverside Bridge Stripped of Bronze, Part of a Wave of Thefts |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/27/archives/riverside-bridge-stripped-of-bronze-part-of-a-wave-of-thefts-police.html |access-date=July 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705202224/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/27/archives/riverside-bridge-stripped-of-bronze-part-of-a-wave-of-thefts-police.html |url-status=live }} The bridge, also known as the Riverside Bridge, was designed by Carrère and Hastings. When this overpass was built, it was described as a viaduct with buttresses and stone terraces leading down to Riverside Park and the Hudson River. Semicircular shelters were also built next to the viaduct on either side of 96th Street. Although the overpass is clad with stone, its superstructure is made of steel. As built, it had four elaborate electric lampposts, each measuring {{convert|15|ft}} high.

== Manhattan Valley Viaduct ==

{{For|the subway viaduct of the same name|125th Street station (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)}}

Between Tiemann Place and 135th Street is the Manhattan Valley Viaduct, which carries Riverside Drive above 12th Avenue. Built in 1901, it is variously called the 125th Street Viaduct or Riverside Drive Viaduct.{{cite web |last=Daley |first=Suzanne |date=May 22, 1985 |title=Rebuilding the Riverside Drive Viaduct |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/22/nyregion/rebuilding-the-riverside-drive-viaduct.html |access-date=August 16, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822024412/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/22/nyregion/rebuilding-the-riverside-drive-viaduct.html |url-status=live }} Murray Roe designed the Manhattan Valley Viaduct,{{cite news |date=August 25, 1927 |title=Murray Roe, Once Rich, Dies in Rags: Designer of Riverside Drive Viaduct Sank to Position of Porter |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=1 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|161988866}}}} while Francis Stuart Williamson was the chief engineer.{{Cite magazine |date=July 21, 1900 |title=Riverside Drive Viaduct, New York. |magazine=Scientific American |pages=38–39 |volume=LXXXIII |issue=3 |id={{ProQuest|126716626}}}} Despite the structure's utilitarian role as a highway, it was also a strong symbol of civic pride, inspired by America's late 19th-century City Beautiful movement. The viaduct's original roadway, wide pedestrian walks and overall design was highly ornamented. The surrounding area is part of the Manhattanville valley, which contains a fault.{{cite news |last=Fried |first=Joseph P. |date=January 28, 1968 |title=Builders Conquer Uptown 'Valley': Suites Rise In 'Valley' |work=The New York Times |page=R1 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|118437883}}}}

As planned, the viaduct measured {{convert|1564|ft}} long, excluding the approaches. The viaduct carries a roadway measuring {{convert|60|ft}} wide, as well as a {{Convert|10|ft|adj=on}} wide sidewalk on either side of the viaduct.{{cite news |date=October 15, 1899 |title=The Riverside Viaduct: Work Far Advanced on the Extension of the Drive to Lafayette Boulevard |work=New-York Tribune |page=C3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574674810}}}} The viaduct measures {{Convert|95|ft}} above mean high water at 125th Street and {{Convert|75|ft}} above mean high water at 135th Street. It is divided into 26 bays, each comprising a single span. Twenty-two of the spans are {{convert|65|ft}} long; one of the spans, crossing 125th Street, is {{convert|128|ft}} long; and the three northernmost spans are of irregular length. Each arch is composed of latticed plate girders measuring {{convert|3|ft}} long. Under the roadway are {{Convert|60|ft|4=-wide|adj=mid}} transverse steel girders, which were built in several pieces and riveted together; each girder is {{convert|5|ft|m||adj=}} deep. The main span above 125th Street is supported by two plate girders measuring {{convert|130|by|10|by|8|ft}} across, which were described as the world's largest steel girders at the time of the viaduct's completion.{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1900 |title=Riverside Viaduct Near Completion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-riverside-viaduct/130171729/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |work=Democrat and Chronicle |pages=8 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-riverside-viaduct/130171729/ |url-status=live }} In total, about 400 girders are used to support the roadway.{{Cite magazine |date=Aug 1998 |title=Maintaining NY bridges poses many challenges |magazine=The American City & County |page=32 |volume=113 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|195942531}}}}

Including the approaches to the south and north, the viaduct has a total length of {{Convert|2044|ft}} or {{Convert|2074|ft}}. The northern approach is {{Convert|262|ft}} long, while the southern approach is {{Convert|218|ft}} long. The approaches are of rock-faced Mohawk Valley limestone with Maine granite trimmings, the face work being made up of courses of ashlar. The southern approach consists of a semicircular wall with stone staircases on either side. This was intended to give a broad plaza effect, which was intended to impart deliberate grandeur to the natural terminus of much of Riverside Drive's traffic as well as to give full advantage to the vista overlooking the Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades to the west.John W. Ripley, C.E., Principal Assistant Engineer Riverside Viaduct, Transactions of the Association of Civil Engineers of Cornell University, 1901, "Riverside Viaduct," p. 95–105.Eric K. Washington, [http://www.erickwashington.com/id13.html Manhattanville: Old Heart of West Harlem] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204211224/http://www.erickwashington.com/id13.html |date=February 4, 2012 }}, Arcadia – Images of America, 2002, {{ISBN|0-7385-0986-8}} There is also a single masonry arch with a glazed-brick vault next to the southern approach.

File:RSD Viaduct GT jeh.JPG|The Manhattan Valley Viaduct as seen from the median north of Grant's Tomb

File:Riverside Drive viaduct.jpg|Below, facing north

File:Harlem viaduct.jpg|Below, facing south

== 155th to 161st streets ==

Another viaduct carries Riverside Drive between 155th and 161st streets. This viaduct is {{Convert|0.25|mi}} long and carries a {{Convert|60|ft|4=-wide|adj=mid}} roadway with six lanes of traffic.{{cite web |date=November 19, 1928 |title=Riverside Drive's New Viaduct, to Be Opened Next Week; Viaduct Quarter-Mile Long. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/19/archives/riverside-drives-new-viaduct-to-be-opened-next-week-viaduct.html |access-date=August 16, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816012521/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/19/archives/riverside-drives-new-viaduct-to-be-opened-next-week-viaduct.html |url-status=live }} The viaduct's construction required {{Convert|11.6|e6lb}} of steel, {{Convert|108000|ft2}} of asphalt pavement, {{Convert|120000|ft2}} of masonry, and {{Convert|810000|ft3}} of concrete. The structure is carried upon a steel-beam framework,{{Cite magazine |date=February 1, 1909 |title=Concrete Work on Riverside Drive |magazine=Cement Age |page=157 |volume=8 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|128367699}}}} which is encased in granite cladding.{{cite web |date=April 21, 1927 |title=Viaduct That Will Close Up Gap in Upper Riverside Drive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/21/archives/viaduct-that-will-close-up-gap-in-upper-riverside-drive.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141218/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/21/archives/viaduct-that-will-close-up-gap-in-upper-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }} The roadway itself is made of concrete slabs, paved over with asphalt. The arches under the roadway are infilled with granite or paneled concrete and are topped by metal-framed windows. The roadway itself has granite balustrades with ornamental lampposts. There is about {{Convert|77000|ft2}} of storage space under the viaduct. In the mid-20th century, the space was used to store thousands of plaster casts owned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Meyer |date=December 9, 1955 |title=About New York; Dwelling Place of the Gods (Plaster) Is Under Riverside Drive in Arches of Viaduct |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/12/09/archives/about-new-york-dwelling-place-of-the-gods-plaster-is-under.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}

= Transportation =

Riverside Drive is served by several bus routes. New York City Bus's {{NYC bus link|M5}} route covers Riverside Drive south of 135th Street, while the {{NYC bus link|M11}} serves the avenue from 135th to 145th Street. The {{NYC bus link|Bx6}} and {{NYC bus link|Bx6 SBS}} serve Riverside Drive East and Riverside Drive West, terminating at 158th Street. The westbound {{NYC bus link|M72}} runs on Riverside Boulevard from 70th to 66th streets; eastbound buses use Freedom Place.{{Cite NYC bus map|M}} Because Riverside Drive and the neighboring Riverside Park are designated as a New York City scenic landmark from 72nd to 125th streets, the western sidewalk between these streets does not have any bus stop shelters.{{cite web |last=Malbin |first=Peter |date=October 1, 2000 |title=If You're Thinking of Living On/Riverside Drive; A Serene Setting Above the Hudson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/realestate/if-you-re-thinking-living-riverside-drive-serene-setting-above-hudson.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405230813/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/realestate/if-you-re-thinking-living-riverside-drive-serene-setting-above-hudson.html |url-status=live }} There is no New York City Subway service along Riverside Drive, though the {{NYCS trains|Broadway-Seventh}} run on the parallel Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line for much of the avenue's length. The Dyckman Street station on the {{NYCS trains|Eighth far north}} serves the disconnected northern section of Riverside Drive in Inwood.

History

=Development=

The {{convert|191|acre|km2}} of land in what is now Riverside Park between 72nd and 125th streets were originally inhabited by the Lenape people, but by the 18th century were used for farms by the descendants of European colonists.{{Sfn|New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|2017|page=68}} A small number of buildings were constructed nearby in the mid-19th century, including the New York Orphan Asylum between 73rd and 74th streets.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2013|page=7}} In 1846, the Hudson River Railroad (later the West Side Line and Hudson Line) was built along the waterfront, connecting New York City to Albany.{{Sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|page=3}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/history|title=Riverside Park Highlights : NYC Parks|date=June 26, 1939|website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=September 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918192500/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/history|url-status=live}} As late as the 1860s, the adjacent section of the Upper West Side was still sparsely populated, even though there was residential development on the Upper East Side.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=11}}

== Riverside Drive ==

File:Riverside Drive at 72nd Street.jpg

In 1865, Central Park commissioner William R. Martin put forth the first proposal for a riverside park along the Hudson River.{{Sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|page=3}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/48/Board%20of%20Commissioners%20of%20the%20Central%20Park%20-%20Documents%20-%20April%2030%201866.pdf|title=Board of Commissioners of the Central Park – Documents: May 11, 1865 – January 11, 1866|date=1866|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|pages=3–5|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203171356/https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/48/Board%20of%20Commissioners%20of%20the%20Central%20Park%20-%20Documents%20-%20April%2030%201866.pdf|url-status=live}} An act providing for such was presented to the Legislature by commissioner Andrew Haswell Green in 1866{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=9}} and approved the next year.{{cite web |last=Peck |first=Richard |date=April 14, 1974 |title=Riverside Drive, Brussels' Flourishes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/14/archives/along-riverside-drive-brussels-flourishes-the-drives-palaces-were.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007100808/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/14/archives/along-riverside-drive-brussels-flourishes-the-drives-palaces-were.html |url-status=live }} The first segment of Riverside Park was acquired through condemnation in 1872.[http://riversideparknyc.org/history-of-park/ Park history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211636/http://riversideparknyc.org/history-of-park/ |date=March 3, 2016 }}, riversideparknyc.org. Retrieved August 26, 2014. The park also included the construction of Riverside Drive, a tree-lined drive curving around the valleys and rock outcroppings, overlooking the future park and the waterfront.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=9}} The road was originally known as Riverside Avenue,{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=9}} although the entire avenue was renamed Riverside Drive by the 1900s.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=10}} The avenue was laid out in 1868 and was {{Convert|100|ft||abbr=}} wide for its entire length.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=9}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/50/Board%20of%20Commissioners%20of%20the%20NYC%20Dept%20of%20Public%20Parks%20-%20Documents%20-%20April%2030%201875.pdf|title=Board of Commissioners of the NYC Dept of Public Parks – Documents: January 20, 1874 – April 30, 1875|date=1875|website=nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|pages=2–8|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203171706/https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/50/Board%20of%20Commissioners%20of%20the%20NYC%20Dept%20of%20Public%20Parks%20-%20Documents%20-%20April%2030%201875.pdf|url-status=live}} The plans for Riverside Park and Avenue brought the attention of William M. Tweed, who bought several lots adjacent to the park in anticipation of its construction.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=9}}

A selection process for the designers of Riverside Park followed, and in 1873 the commissioners selected Frederick Law Olmsted, a park commissioner who had also designed Central Park.{{Sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|page=4}} Initially, Riverside Drive had been planned to run in a straight line, which would have required a retaining wall and extensive fill.{{Sfn|New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|2017|page=69}} By then, the difficult topography of the area had come to the attention of the Manhattan park commissioners, and in 1873 Olmsted was given the authorization to redesign the grade of Riverside Drive. To accommodate this, Olmsted devised a new plan that would create a main road extending from 72nd to 123rd streets, with overpasses at 79th and 96th streets, as well as "carriage roads" to serve the nearby neighborhood. The grade of the road was not to exceed 1:27.{{Sfn|New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|2017|page=71}}{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=10}} Riverside Drive's main road would contain two roadways, one for each direction, separated by a median. A pedestrian path and a horse path would run alongside the avenue, and trees would provide shade along the route.{{Sfn|New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|2017|page=71}} A section of the avenue from 104th to 123rd Street would serve as a shaded promenade, and there would be a carriage turnaround at 123rd Street.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=10}}

Over the following years, work proceeded on Riverside Drive, with various ramps and stairs to the park, as well as a bridle path (which was added in 1875). Olmsted was asked to create plans for the design of the avenue as an unpaved country drive, but it was eventually paved. In late 1876, bids were accepted for the paving of Riverside Drive.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=10}} Olmsted was ousted as parks superintendent in December 1877.{{Cite Central Park History|pages=291–293}} Architects and horticulturalists such as Calvert Vaux and Samuel Parsons laid out the stretch of park and road between 72nd and 125th streets according to the English gardening ideal, creating the appearance that the park was an extension of the Hudson River Valley. A parapet was built on the western side of the road, separating it from Riverside Park and the West Side Line.

== Boulevard Lafayette ==

The northernmost section of Riverside Drive, north of 158th Street, was originally known as the Boulevard Lafayette. The southern terminus of the Boulevard Lafayette was near 155th Street; the road ran along the coast of the Hudson River, running north to the intersection of Broadway (then known as Kingsbridge Road) and Dyckman Street.{{cite news |date=November 5, 1899 |title=Boulevard Lafayette: Its Laying Out Thirty Years Ago and Its Present Development—beautiful Glimpses of River and Country |work=New-York Tribune |page=C1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574687012}}}}{{Cite magazine |date=January 26, 1895 |title=The Boulevard Lafayette, in the City 0f New York. |magazine=Scientific American |page=58 |volume=LXXII |issue=4 |id={{ProQuest|126821007}}}} Originally known simply as "The Boulevard", the road was renamed the Boulevard Lafayette in 1870; work on that road began in 1873. Although a right-of-way measuring {{Convert|100|ft}} wide was provided for the Boulevard Lafayette, the roadway itself was originally only {{Convert|60|ft}} wide. At several points, due to the steep topography, a retaining wall was built adjacent to the road.

= Completion and early years =

File:New_York_(City)_-_Riverside_Drive_-_"On_the_Hudson",_the_French_Renaissance_style_mansion_of_C.M._Schwab-_front_facade_with_porch;_carriage_in_foreground_LCCN2006690176.jpg, one of several built on Riverside Drive]]

Riverside Drive was opened in 1880 and was well used by pedestrians, bikers, and drivers;{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=11}} it had cost nearly $10 million.{{cite web |date=July 10, 1904 |title=New York's Long Fight for the New Riverside Drive; To Be the Finest Thing of the Kind Within the Limits of Any City in the World. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/07/10/archives/new-yorks-long-fight-for-the-new-riverside-drive-to-be-the-finest.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times}} Riverside Drive originally terminated at 122nd Street, near where Grant's Tomb was later built.{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1897 |title=Riverside Drive Extension |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-riverside-drive-extensi/130141788/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=20}} City parks workers had to use {{Convert|125000|gal|L|sp=us}} of water every day to ensure that the avenue's bridle path was usable.{{Cite news |date=May 28, 1911 |title=River Bridle Path Closed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-river-bridle-path-clo/156201701/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |pages=20}} The wealthy came to settle on Riverside Drive soon after its completion. The Phillips Elite Directory of 1882–1883 did not list any members of the social elite as living on the Avenue, but the 1887 version of the same directory listed 18 families as living on the avenue.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=11}} The avenue largely attracted the nouveau riche, and relatively few mansions were ever built in Riverside Drive.{{Cite news |last=Fahmy |first=Dalia |date=December 2, 2002 |title=Changing currents on Riverside Conceived for the wealthy, a street on Manhattan's Upper West Side instead became a middle-class stronghold. But now the well-to-do are moving back |work=Financial Times |page=5 |id={{pq|249299515}}}} The city's wealthiest residents continued to live on Fifth Avenue, while old money families tended to live further downtown. Charles M. Schwab, who built his mansion between 73rd and 74th streets, was one of the few extremely wealthy residents to relocate to the avenue.{{cite web |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=October 3, 1980 |title=Discovering the Pleasures Of City's Great Boulevard |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/03/archives/discovering-the-pleasures-of-citys-great-boulevard-metropolitan.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814231906/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/03/archives/discovering-the-pleasures-of-citys-great-boulevard-metropolitan.html |url-status=live }}

One of the first mansions to be built on Riverside Drive was a house belonging to the engineer Egbert Ludovicus Viele, who moved to the intersection with 88th Street. This was followed by additional structures along both the avenue and the side streets. Mansions, middle-class row houses, and upscale apartments were built on Riverside Drive in the late 19th and early 20th century.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|pages=11–12}} By the end of the 19th century, nearly every lot on the eastern side of Riverside Drive had been developed with private mansions and apartment buildings. By comparison, there had been fewer than 10 houses between 72nd and 125th streets on the shoreline before construction of the avenue began. One publication described Riverside Drive as "one of the most beautiful and picturesque in the world",{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2013|page=14}}{{cite book |last=Zeisloft |first=E. Idell |url=https://archive.org/details/newmetropolis16000zeis |title=The new metropolis : memorable events of three centuries, 1600–1900 ; from the island of Mana-hat-ta to Greater New York at the close of the nineteenth century |publisher=D. Appleton and Company |year=1905 |publication-place=New York |page=618 |oclc=904392628 |orig-year=1899}} and The New York Times wrote that the avenue's mansions "glittered like a wedding cake" by the 1890s.

Tugboats along the Hudson River frequently made loud noises, prompting several Riverside Drive residents to create the Society for the Suppression of Unnecessary Noise in 1907.{{cite news |date=January 15, 1907 |title=Noise's Foes Organize: Sound-proof Home of Mrs. Isaac L. Rice Scene of First Meeting |work=New-York Tribune |page=7 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571950902}}}} The effort ultimately led to federal legislation limiting noise from tugboats.{{cite web |last=Cutler |first=Jacqueline |date=November 19, 2022 |title=How NYC's Riverside Park became 'Heaven on the Hudson' |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2022/11/19/how-nycs-riverside-park-became-heaven-on-the-hudson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405213033/https://www.nydailynews.com/2022/11/19/how-nycs-riverside-park-became-heaven-on-the-hudson/ |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=New York Daily News}} In addition, until 1916, fumes from factories in North Jersey, across the Hudson River to the west, often drifted across to Riverside Drive.{{cite web |date=April 2, 1916 |title=Ban on Jersey Odors; Offenders Opposite Riverside Drive Must Abate Nuisances. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/04/02/archives/ban-on-jersey-odors-offenders-opposite-riverside-drive-must-abate.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}

= Extensions =

In January 1897, state lawmakers proposed extending Riverside Drive northward to the Boulevard Lafayette, with a viaduct above Manhattan Valley from 122nd to 134th Street.{{cite web |date=January 28, 2023 |title=New Driveway Planned; Extension of Riverside to the Boulevard Lafayette. To Cross the Manhattan Valley on a Viaduct, and Form a Continuous Pleasure Drive as far as Inwood. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/01/30/archives/new-driveway-planned-extension-of-riverside-to-the-boulevard.html |access-date=August 16, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816012521/https://www.nytimes.com/1897/01/30/archives/new-driveway-planned-extension-of-riverside-to-the-boulevard.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=January 25, 1897 |title=To Extend Riverside Drive: an Attractive Uptown Scheme of Improvement Need of a Connecting Link Between Claremont and the Boulevard ... A Delightful Residence Region May Be Opened |page=10 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-to-extend-riverside-dri/130139889/ |access-date=August 16, 2023 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574263375}} |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817003604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-to-extend-riverside-dri/130139889/ |url-status=live }} The original plans, which were to cost $10 million and included four viaducts, were quickly downsized to $2 million and one viaduct.{{Cite news |date=January 29, 1897 |title=New Riverside Drive Bill |pages=2 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-riverside-drive-bil/130140254/ |access-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817005104/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-riverside-drive-bil/130140254/ |url-status=live }} Shortly afterward, a similar bill was proposed with a lower cost.{{cite news |date=February 6, 1897 |title=Riverside Drive Plans: Why a Second Bill for the Extension Was Prepared a Connection With the Boulevard Lafayette of the Greatest Importance-the First Plan Deemed Too Comprehensive and Costly |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574271354}}}} The revised bill called for the avenue to be narrowed in the vicinity of Trinity Cemetery at 153rd Street.{{cite web |date=January 28, 2023 |title=To Honor Queen Victoria; Stained Glass Window for the Church of St. John the Evangelist |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/02/08/archives/to-honor-queen-victoria-stained-glass-window-for-the-church-of-st.html |access-date=August 16, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816020104/https://www.nytimes.com/1897/02/08/archives/to-honor-queen-victoria-stained-glass-window-for-the-church-of-st.html |url-status=live }} The governor of New York signed both bills in May 1897,{{cite news |date=May 24, 1897 |title=Many City Bills Signed: Among Them Those Relating to Riverside Drive and Riverside Park |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574306547}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 23, 1897 |title=Brooklyn Bridge Bill Signed |pages=4 |work=The Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-brooklyn-bridge-bill-signed/130140445/ |access-date=August 16, 2023}} but work on the viaduct was delayed for several months.{{Cite news |date=December 28, 1897 |title=City Suffers by Careless Work |pages=5 |work=The World |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-city-suffers-by-careless-work/130139624/ |access-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817003620/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-city-suffers-by-careless-work/130139624/ |url-status=live }} That November, the city's Board of Street Opening and Improvement agreed to lengthen the viaduct slightly so that it ran from 122nd to 135th Street. The extension was budgeted at $3.6 million, with the viaduct alone costing $840,000.{{cite news |date=November 18, 1897 |title=Riverside Drive Plans: the Board of Street Opening Decides to Lengthen It to One-hundred-and-thirty-fifth-st |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574367296}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Riverside Drive Viaduct; Partial Plan for the Proposed Extension Above Grant's Tomb Adopted |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/11/18/archives/riverside-drive-viaduct-partial-plan-for-the-proposed-extension.html |access-date=August 16, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} At 153rd Street, Riverside Drive would be cantilevered over the New York Central Railroad's (NYCRR) West Side Line railroad tracks to avoid Trinity Church Cemetery. The extension plans also involved demolishing several old mansions.{{cite news |date=August 15, 1897 |title=Old Estates That Must Go: Ravages to Result From the Riverside Drive Extension |page=B4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574337313}}}}

== 96th Street overpass and Manhattan Valley Viaduct ==

File:RSDViaductc1900.jpg

The New York City Board of Estimate formally approved the Manhattan Valley Viaduct in December 1898,{{Cite news |date=December 8, 1897 |title=Manhattan Valley Viaduct |pages=1 |work=The Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-manhattan-valley-viaduct/130140758/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817003606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-manhattan-valley-viaduct/130140758/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Board of Estimate Grants; Further Progress Made with the City Budget – Riverside Drive Extension Plans Approved |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/12/08/archives/board-of-estimate-grants-further-progress-made-with-the-city-budget.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817003604/https://www.nytimes.com/1897/12/08/archives/board-of-estimate-grants-further-progress-made-with-the-city-budget.html |url-status=live }} and plans for the viaduct were drawn up within three weeks.{{Cite news |date=December 27, 1897 |title=Viaduct Plans Were Rushed |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-viaduct-plans-were-rushed/130141219/ 2] |work=The World |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-viaduct-plans-were-rushed/130141138/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817003604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-world-viaduct-plans-were-rushed/130141138/ |url-status=live }} At the end of that month, the firm of O'Brien, Sheehan, and McBean was hired to build the viaduct for $570,000;{{Cite news |date=December 29, 1897 |title=Secured by Sheehan's Firm |pages=1 |work=The Buffalo Commercial |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-commercial-secured-by-sheeha/130141928/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817003603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-commercial-secured-by-sheeha/130141928/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Inspection of Barbers' Shops; Workmen Have a Bill to Present to the Legislature. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/12/29/archives/inspection-of-barbers-shops-workmen-have-a-bill-to-present-to-the.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 }} under the terms of the contract, the viaduct had to be completed in 400 days.{{Cite magazine |date=January 5, 1898 |title=Bridges |magazine=The Construction News |volume=6 |issue=1 |page=17 |id={{ProQuest|128388973}}}} Work on the viaduct began in March 1898. The viaduct's engineers requested in June 1898 that the approaches be made of granite rather than sandstone, which would add $80,000 to the cost;{{cite news |date=June 17, 1898 |title=The Riverside Drive Extension |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574457720}}}} the city's comptroller opposed the change.{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1898 |title=Van Wyck Waxes Eloquent |pages=5 |work=Times Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-van-wyck-waxes-eloquent/130167091/ |access-date=August 17, 2023}} The next month, the city authorized $86,500 in bonds to finance an overpass above 96th Street{{cite web |date=June 8, 1898 |title=The Board of Estimate; Debt Limit Scare Ended by Reauthorization of Bonds for Public Improvements |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1898/06/08/archives/the-board-of-estimate-debt-limit-scare-ended-by-reauthorization-of.html |access-date=January 28, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817162424/https://www.nytimes.com/1898/06/08/archives/the-board-of-estimate-debt-limit-scare-ended-by-reauthorization-of.html |url-status=live }} and $500,000 in bonds for the Manhattan Valley Viaduct.{{Cite news |date=July 27, 1898 |title=The Big Bond Issue |pages=8 |work=The Standard Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-big-bond-issue/130168549/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817162425/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-the-big-bond-issue/130168549/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 28, 1898 |title=Issue of City Bonds |pages=12 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-issue-of-city-bonds/130168582/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817162426/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-issue-of-city-bonds/130168582/ |url-status=live }}

The city's park commissioners began soliciting bids for the 96th Street overpass in June 1900{{Cite news |date=June 22, 1900 |title=Riverside Viaduct |pages=5 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-riverside-viadu/130172077/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180223/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-riverside-viadu/130172077/ |url-status=live }} and awarded a contract the next month to A. C. Gildersleeve for $200,000.{{Cite news |date=July 20, 1900 |title=Park Board Awards a Contract |pages=11 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-park-board-awards-a-con/130172061/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180221/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-park-board-awards-a-con/130172061/ |url-status=live }} Work on the 96th Street overpass began later the same year.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1901 |title=The Viaduct at Ninety-sixth-st. |pages=19 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-viaduct-at-ninety-s/130172634/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180205/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-viaduct-at-ninety-s/130172634/ |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, the abutments for the Manhattan Valley Viaduct were finished by mid-1900.{{cite news |date=September 9, 1900 |title=Riverside Viaduct: Addition Which It Makes to the Beauty and Splendor of the Park |page=A3 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-riverside-viaduct/130171968/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570835018}} |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180222/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-riverside-viaduct/130171968/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=July 5, 1900 |title=Giant Superstructure |pages=7 |work=Poughkeepsie Eagle-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-eagle-news-giant-superstruc/130171851/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180207/https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-eagle-news-giant-superstruc/130171851/ |url-status=live }} The chief engineer of the city's highways departments reported in April 1901 that the Manhattan Valley Viaduct was completed except for filling and electrical work.{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1901 |title=A New Driveway Planned |pages=5 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-a-new-driveway-planned/130172286/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180207/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-a-new-driveway-planned/130172286/ |url-status=live }} Work on the 96th Street overpass was delayed for two months due to difficulties in installing sewage pipes;{{cite news |date=November 19, 1901 |title=Sewer Department Blamed for Delay: Riverside Drive Viaduct Contractor Says He Had to Buy Out Others |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-sewer-department-blamed/130176370/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 17, 2023 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571115650}} |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817185021/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-sewer-department-blamed/130176370/ }} the overpass opened in January 1902{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1902 |title=Open This Week |pages=2 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-open-this-week/130175248/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-open-this-week/130175248/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=January 15, 1902 |title=Viaduct to Be Opened This Week |pages=7 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-viaduct-to-be-opened-th/130175537/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 }} following complaints that the contractor was taking too long.{{Cite news |date=February 23, 1902 |title=Riverside Drive Wakes Up |pages=21 |work=The Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-riverside-drive-wakes-up/130175171/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180205/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sun-riverside-drive-wakes-up/130175171/ |url-status=live }} The Manhattan Valley Viaduct was completed in mid-1902. The construction of the 96th Street overpass and Manhattan Valley Viaduct caused real-estate prices along Riverside Drive to increase in the 1900s.{{cite news |date=October 6, 1901 |title=Building in Riverside Drive: Many Handsome Houses Going Up-opening of New Bridges Promises Increased Activity |page=12 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571097489}}}} Arc lamps were installed on the Manhattan Valley Viaduct in 1903, soon after it opened.{{Cite news |date=October 8, 1903 |title=Orders Arc Lamps on Claremont Viaduct |pages=3 |work=The Evening World |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-orders-arc-lamps-on-cl/130176187/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817185007/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-orders-arc-lamps-on-cl/130176187/ |url-status=live }}

== Extension to 158th Street ==

File:RSD 158 jeh.JPG

The city's corporation council began condemning land for the extension of Riverside Drive north of the Manhattan Valley Viaduct in mid-1899,{{cite news |date=May 11, 1899 |title=To Extend Riverside Drive: Commissioners to Condemn Right of Way Soon to Be Appointed |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574611050}}}} and three commissioners were appointed to condemn the land the next year.{{Cite news |date=March 14, 1900 |title=Riverside Drive Commissioners. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1900/03/14/archives/riverside-drive-commissioners.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007072759/https://www.nytimes.com/1900/03/14/archives/riverside-drive-commissioners.html |url-status=live }} The city acquired the land in September 1900.{{cite web |date=March 10, 1903 |title=President Cantor Criticised in Court; Application for Peremptory Mandamus to Compel Extension of Riverside Drive – Property Owners' Complaints. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/03/10/archives/president-cantor-criticised-in-court-application-for-peremptory.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140148/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/03/10/archives/president-cantor-criticised-in-court-application-for-peremptory.html |url-status=live }} Most of the condemned sites had been small plots, except for a tract between 142nd and 144th streets that had belonged to the Hoguet family. The project was split into two phases, section 1 between 135th and 153rd streets, and section 2 between 153rd Street and the Boulevard Lafayette. By August 1901, plans for section 1 had been completed, with that section estimated to cost $1.7 million.{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1901 |title=City's Finest Parkway |pages=12 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-citys-finest-parkway/130172481/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180224/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-citys-finest-parkway/130172481/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=August 8, 1901 |title=Riverside Drive Extension |pages=8 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-riverside-drive-ext/130172998/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180203/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-riverside-drive-ext/130172998/ |url-status=live }} The extension would consist of a {{convert|60|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} roadway, a {{convert|20|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} bridle path, two sidewalks, and grass planting strips. There were also to be four bridges carrying the avenue between 135th and 156th streets.{{cite news |date=December 14, 1902 |title=Along the Hudson: to Extend Riverside Plans for Connection With the Boulevard Lafayette |page=A9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571337614}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=December 14, 1902 |title=Plans Ready for New Driveway; President Cantor's Project for Seven-Mile Stretch Along the Hudson River – Riverside Drive to be Connected With the Boulevard Lafayette. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/12/14/archives/plans-ready-for-new-driveway-president-cantors-project-for.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811135148/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/12/14/archives/plans-ready-for-new-driveway-president-cantors-project-for.html |url-status=live }} Along with the Boulevard Lafayette (which already extended northwest from Broadway and 156th Street to the Inwood neighborhood{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1903 |title=Extension of Riverside Drive Will Make It Most Magnificent of Boulevards |pages=33 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-extension-of-ri/130173271/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180225/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-extension-of-ri/130173271/ |url-status=live }}), the Riverside Drive extension would form part of a {{convert|20|mi|adj=on}} parkway that would connect with Harlem River Drive.{{Cite news |date=April 30, 1901 |title=Harlem and the Bronx |pages=7 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-harlem-and-the/130172826/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180205/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-harlem-and-the/130172826/ |url-status=live }} Construction did not start for over two years after the city acquired land for the Riverside Drive extension. In the meantime, dirt from the excavation of the city's first subway line was dumped on the path of the extension.{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1902 |title=Viaduct Nearing Completion |pages=7 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-viaduct-nearing-complet/130175637/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817185003/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-viaduct-nearing-complet/130175637/ |url-status=live }}

A state judge ruled in April 1903 that construction of the Riverside Drive extension had to start as soon as possible,{{cite web |date=April 18, 1903 |title=Cantor Must Push Work; Court Holds He Has No Right to Delay the Riverside Drive Extension. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/04/18/archives/cantor-must-push-work-court-holds-he-has-no-right-to-delay-the.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817180205/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/04/18/archives/cantor-must-push-work-court-holds-he-has-no-right-to-delay-the.html |url-status=live }} and a groundbreaking ceremony for the extension occurred on December 12, 1903.{{cite news |date=December 13, 1903 |title=Cantor Breaks Ground: Extension of Riverside Drive Formally Begun |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571518342}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=December 13, 1903 |title=Riverside Drive Extension Started; Ground Broken by Borough President Cantor with a Silver Pick. He Describes the Plans That Will Make It the Finest Driveway in the World. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/12/13/archives/riverside-drive-extension-started-ground-broken-by-borough-presi.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140226/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/12/13/archives/riverside-drive-extension-started-ground-broken-by-borough-presi.html |url-status=live }} The section from 135th to 145th Street was awarded to Ryan & Parker, while the section from 145th to 155th Street was awarded to John C. Rodgers; work on both sections began in May 1904. The section of Riverside Drive north of 150th Street was much higher than the streets that it intersected, prompting residents of these cross-streets to complain that their vehicles could not access Riverside Drive.{{cite web |date=January 17, 1904 |title=Want Riverside Drive Approaches; Steep Grades Make Upper Section Well-Nigh Inaccessible. Danger to Horse and Man That Venture Upon Toboggan-Fashioned Cross Streets Above 150th Street. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/01/17/archives/want-riverside-drive-approaches-steep-grades-make-upper-section.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817192316/https://www.nytimes.com/1904/01/17/archives/want-riverside-drive-approaches-steep-grades-make-upper-section.html |url-status=live }} The plans also included widening the Boulevard Lafayette within the Washington Heights neighborhood and constructing a service road to the east of the existing boulevard. Because people frequently referred to the Boulevard Lafayette by several incorrect names, residents of Washington Heights also wanted the Boulevard Lafayette to be renamed Riverside Drive.

The city planned to acquire land to widen the section of the Boulevard Lafayette (then renamed Riverside Drive) between 158th and 165th streets in 1907, but the city's controller objected to the $1 million valuation placed on the land.{{cite news |date=May 28, 1907 |title=Metz Opposes Award: Riverside Drive Commission on Widening Hard Hit by Controller |page=2 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|572007785}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=May 28, 1907 |title=Metz Investigates Land Condemnation; Tells Real Estate Men He's With Them in Fight Against the Present System |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/28/archives/metz-investigates-land-condemnation-tells-real-estate-men-hes-with.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817195628/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/28/archives/metz-investigates-land-condemnation-tells-real-estate-men-hes-with.html |url-status=live }} By mid-1908, Riverside Drive was complete to 155th Street, except for a single city block between 151st and 152nd streets, where a property owner had successfully requested that a state judge place an injunction on the project.{{cite web |date=June 21, 1908 |title=One Block Ties Up Riverside Drive; Washington Heights Extension Broken at 151st Street by Injunction of Long Standing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/06/21/archives/one-block-ties-up-riverside-drive-washington-heights-extension.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817195632/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/06/21/archives/one-block-ties-up-riverside-drive-washington-heights-extension.html |url-status=live }} A few blocks north, families with plots in Trinity Church Cemetery complained that the new road was obstructing views of the Hudson River from their plots.{{cite web |date=June 23, 1907 |title=Cemetery View Shut Off; Plot Owners in Trinity Grounds Complain of Riverside Drive Wall. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/06/23/archives/cemetery-view-shut-off-plot-owners-in-trinity-grounds-complain-of.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140259/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/06/23/archives/cemetery-view-shut-off-plot-owners-in-trinity-grounds-complain-of.html |url-status=live }} The extension of Riverside Drive resulted in the development of upper-class apartment houses there.{{cite web |date=September 13, 1908 |title=New Construction of High-class Along Riverside Drive Extension; Locality Where Corner Plots Have Unusual Characteristics – New Structure Just Completed at 138th Street. – A $200,000 Operation. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/13/archives/new-construction-of-highclass-along-riverside-drive-extension.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140301/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/09/13/archives/new-construction-of-highclass-along-riverside-drive-extension.html |url-status=live }} To pay for the construction of the extension, the Riverside Drive and Parkway Commission proposed charging local residents $1.5 million, though the high cost was controversial.{{cite web |date=May 21, 1908 |title=Want City to Pay for Drive Extension; Taxpayers Protest at $1,500,000 Assessment on Their Property for Riverside Improvements |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/05/21/archives/want-city-to-pay-for-drive-extension-taxpayers-protest-at-1500000.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140149/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/05/21/archives/want-city-to-pay-for-drive-extension-taxpayers-protest-at-1500000.html |url-status=live }} The section between 145th and 158th streets formally opened in February 1911.{{cite news |date=February 12, 1911 |title=Riverside Drive Extension.: Upper Section Opened Last Week New Plans Being Prepared. |work=The New York Times |page=XX1 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|97223851}}}} John C. Rodgers, who helped build the section from 145th to 158th streets, later sued the city for delaying the road's completion by four years; the suit was not resolved until 1930.{{cite web |date=July 17, 1930 |title=City Ends 20-year-old Suit; Settles for $225,000 Action Over Riverside Drive Extension. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/07/17/archives/city-ends-20yearold-suit-settles-for-225000-action-over-riverside.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140257/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/07/17/archives/city-ends-20yearold-suit-settles-for-225000-action-over-riverside.html |url-status=live }}

= Early 20th century =

== Mid-1900s to 1910s ==

File:Riverside Drive and W 145th St intersection, Manhattan.jpg

By the mid-1900s, engineers were considering extending Riverside Drive further north from 158th Street to the proposed Henry Hudson Bridge,{{cite news |date=May 26, 1906 |title=More Riverside Drive: Big Extension Planned City May Spend $5,250,000—to Bridge Dyckman Street |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571728806}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=March 10, 1907 |title=Plan for Making New York a City Beautiful; Commission on the Improvement of the City Recommends Daring Schemes – Viaduct at Forty-second Street and Fifth Avenue – Great Thoroughfare to Bridges. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/03/10/archives/plan-for-making-new-york-a-city-beautiful-commission-on-the.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=June 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623001747/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/03/10/archives/plan-for-making-new-york-a-city-beautiful-commission-on-the.html |url-status=live }} as well as southeast from 72nd Street to West End Avenue.{{Cite magazine |date=April 1, 1907 |title=The Civic Awakening: New York Improvement Report Boulevard Systems for Boston Bronx River Parkway, New York Control of Land Abutting Parks Beautifying Niagara River |magazine=Park and Cemetery and Landscape Gardening |page=40 |volume=17 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|882870359}}}} The New York Times estimated that the northward extension would cost $4.8 million,{{cite web |date=March 13, 1909 |title=Ahearn Enjoined From Opening Bids; Thereby the Proposed $4,800,000 Extension of Riverside Drive Will Be Held Up |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/03/13/archives/ahearn-enjoined-from-opening-bids-thereby-the-proposed-4800000.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140149/https://www.nytimes.com/1909/03/13/archives/ahearn-enjoined-from-opening-bids-thereby-the-proposed-4800000.html |url-status=live }} and the New-York Tribune estimated the total cost of Riverside Drive at $25.2 million.{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1907 |title=Riverside to Be Costliest Parkway in the World |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-riverside-to-be-costlie/156189057/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=46 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140150/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-riverside-to-be-costlie/156189057/ |url-status=live }} The Board of Estimate declined to fund a further extension of Riverside Drive in 1908, saying the city lacked money.{{cite web |date=June 20, 1908 |title=City Money Very Scarce; Appropriation for Extension of Riverside Drive Is Held Up. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/06/20/archives/city-money-very-scarce-appropriation-for-extension-of-riverside.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817195630/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/06/20/archives/city-money-very-scarce-appropriation-for-extension-of-riverside.html |url-status=live }} John F. Ahearn, Manhattan's borough president, began requesting bids for the construction of Riverside Drive from 158th Street to Spuyten Duyvil, Bronx in March 1909.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1909 |title=Riverside Drive Extension Bids |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-times-riverside-drive-extens/156198811/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=The Buffalo Times |pages=11 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140656/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-times-riverside-drive-extens/156198811/ |url-status=live }} Amid disagreements over the extension's cost, a state judge placed an injunction to prevent Ahearn from awarding contracts for the extension.{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1909 |title=Coler Blocks Lewis' Report on Subway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-coler-blocks-lewis-report-o/156198638/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=Times Union |pages=1 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140657/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-coler-blocks-lewis-report-o/156198638/ |url-status=live }} After the city agreed to spend only $250,000 on the extension in 1909, the Board of Estimate began requesting bids that May for the construction of Riverside Drive between 158th and 181st streets.{{cite web |date=May 14, 1909 |title=Bids Asked for New Drive; Only $250,000 to be Spent This Year on Riverside Extension. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/05/14/archives/bids-asked-for-new-drive-only-250000-to-be-spent-this-year-on.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140658/https://www.nytimes.com/1909/05/14/archives/bids-asked-for-new-drive-only-250000-to-be-spent-this-year-on.html |url-status=live }} The Municipal Art Commission approved designs for the extension that July.{{Cite news |date=July 4, 1909 |title=Riverside Drive Plans: Art Commission Approves Extension Scheme and Other Projects |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-riverside-drive-plans/156189103/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=New-York Tribune |pages=7 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140659/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-riverside-drive-plans/156189103/ |url-status=live }} Josiah A. Briggs, the chief engineer for the Bronx, proposed extending Riverside Drive all the way to Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale, Bronx.{{cite news |date=September 19, 1909 |title=Opening Up Riverdale: Plan for Connecting Riverside Drive With Spuyten Duyvil Parkway. |work=The New York Times |page=XX2 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|96928241}}}}

Due to high amounts of traffic over the years, the original road between 72nd and 125th streets had degraded extensively by the early 1910s.{{cite news |date=January 9, 1911 |title=Inspect Riverside Drive: Taxpayers Blame 'buses and Auto Chains for Damage |work=New-York Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574717742}}}} As such, in 1912, New York City park commissioner Charles B. Stover proposed replacing the pavement,{{cite web |date=April 2, 1912 |title=Improved Roadway for Riverside Drive; As Far as Grant's Tomb This Summer, Mr. Stover Tells West End Folk. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/04/02/archives/improved-roadway-for-riverside-drive-as-far-as-grants-tomb-this.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140659/https://www.nytimes.com/1912/04/02/archives/improved-roadway-for-riverside-drive-as-far-as-grants-tomb-this.html |url-status=live }} and he sought $475,000 from the city government.{{cite web |date=March 30, 1913 |title=Bad Park Roads Due to Money Lack; Commissioner Stover Upholds Abilities of His Department to Build Good Highways. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1913/03/30/archives/bad-park-roads-due-to-money-lack-commissioner-stover-upholds.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140700/https://www.nytimes.com/1913/03/30/archives/bad-park-roads-due-to-money-lack-commissioner-stover-upholds.html |url-status=live }} Stover also wanted to build a highway around the northern tip of Manhattan, connecting the northern end of Riverside Drive with the Harlem River Speedway to the east.{{cite web |date=August 27, 1911 |title=Stover Would Turn Speedway Over to Automobiles; Park Commissioner Also Plans Widening Riverside Drive and Covering Over the Railroad Tracks and Has Already Started the Work. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1911/08/27/archives/stover-would-turn-speedway-over-to-automobiles-park-commissioner.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140702/https://www.nytimes.com/1911/08/27/archives/stover-would-turn-speedway-over-to-automobiles-park-commissioner.html |url-status=live }} Olmsted and Arnold W. Brunner recommended in 1913 that Riverside Drive be extended north to the Bronx, with a new viaduct connecting 155th Street and the Boulevard Lafayette. Work north of 155th Street had not started.{{cite news |date=June 9, 1913 |title=Report on Extension of Riverside Drive: Olmsted and Brunner Submit Recommendations to Borough President McAneny |work=New-York Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575104164}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=June 15, 1913 |title=Planning to Extend Riverside Drive Up to the Bronx; Suggestions Made to Continue the Thoroughfare and Embellish It So It Will Be One of the Longest as Well as Most Beautiful Drives Anywhere in the World. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1913/06/15/archives/planning-to-extend-riverside-drive-up-to-the-bronx-suggestions-made.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927201146/https://www.nytimes.com/1913/06/15/archives/planning-to-extend-riverside-drive-up-to-the-bronx-suggestions-made.html |url-status=live }} Workers began adding a permanent pavement to the avenue between 72nd and 110th streets in 1913,{{cite web |date=August 1, 1913 |title=Awards Paving Contracts; Injunction Holding Up Riverside Drive Repairs Is Dismissed. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1913/08/01/archives/awards-paving-contracts-injunction-holding-up-riverside-drive.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140703/https://www.nytimes.com/1913/08/01/archives/awards-paving-contracts-injunction-holding-up-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }} and upgrades to the section from 110th to 128th street began in 1915.{{cite web |date=January 10, 1915 |title=West Side Improvements; The Best Asphalt Pavement for Riverside Drive. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/01/10/archives/west-side-improvements-the-best-asphalt-pavement-for-riverside.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140704/https://www.nytimes.com/1915/01/10/archives/west-side-improvements-the-best-asphalt-pavement-for-riverside.html |url-status=live }} After a pedestrian was killed near Grant's Tomb that year, the two-way roadways on either side of the monument were both converted to one-way traffic.{{cite news |date=February 28, 1915 |title=Grant's Tomb Death Trap Removed as Result of Death of Girl Student |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575389191}}}}

Meanwhile, after the opening of the city's first subway line, the northern section of Riverside Drive was quickly developed with six-to-twelve-story apartment blocks,{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=May 30, 1993 |title=Streetscapes: Upper Riverside Drive; When New Sidewalks Become a Path to Controversy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/30/realestate/streetscapes-upper-riverside-drive-when-new-sidewalks-become-path-controversy.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140747/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/30/realestate/streetscapes-upper-riverside-drive-when-new-sidewalks-become-path-controversy.html |url-status=live }} in many cases replacing mansions and other lower-density development.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2013|p=17}} Numerous multi-story apartment buildings had been developed along Riverside Drive on the Upper West Side by the early 1910s,{{cite web |date=August 21, 1910 |title=Riverside Drive a Great Parkway Lined With Palatial Apartments; New York's Upper West Side, with Its Multitude of Towering Residential Structures, a Picturesque Section with Diverse Architectural Types – Many New Houses Opening This Fall – Extensive Building Operations on Cathedral Parkway and Morningside Heights – Luxurious Appointments at Moderate Rentals. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/08/21/archives/riverside-drive-a-great-parkway-lined-with-palatial-apartments-new.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140705/https://www.nytimes.com/1910/08/21/archives/riverside-drive-a-great-parkway-lined-with-palatial-apartments-new.html |url-status=live }} and even more apartment buildings were built on the avenue after World War I.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2013|p=17}} By 1917, the city government had tentatively agreed to rebuild Riverside Park west of Riverside Drive.{{cite news |date=October 9, 1917 |title=New York Central Alone May Oppose Riverside Plan: Property Owners Favor Latest Proposed Solution C. L. Craig Indorses It New Proposition Calls for Extra $10,000,000 Outlay by Road |work=New-York Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575770889}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 7, 1917 |title=Lease Of 25 Years In West Side Plan; Public Hearing on New York Central Improvement to Be Held Oct. 18 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1917/10/07/archives/lease-of-25-years-in-west-side-plan-public-hearing-on-new-york.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822024410/https://www.nytimes.com/1917/10/07/archives/lease-of-25-years-in-west-side-plan-public-hearing-on-new-york.html |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Local residents had opposed earlier proposals for the park, saying that noise and disruptions from the construction project would compel many Riverside Drive residents to relocate.{{cite web |date=June 21, 1916 |title=Exodus Threatened on Riverside Drive; Woman's League Fears Noise of Steam Shovels and Destruction of Park |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/06/21/archives/exodus-threatened-on-riverside-drive-womans-league-fears-noise-of.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140755/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/06/21/archives/exodus-threatened-on-riverside-drive-womans-league-fears-noise-of.html |url-status=live }} In 1919, the city controller proposed extending Riverside Drive south to 57th Street by building a roadway above the West Side Line.{{cite web |date=December 19, 1919 |title=Riverside Drive Extension; Controller Would Build Elevated Roadway South to 57th Street. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/12/19/archives/riverside-drive-extension-controller-would-build-elevated-roadway.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140707/https://www.nytimes.com/1919/12/19/archives/riverside-drive-extension-controller-would-build-elevated-roadway.html |url-status=live }}

== 1920s ==

File:Dyckman St Bway Riverside Dr td (2019-04-27) 05 - Greenstreets.jpg

The roadway between 135th and 158th streets was replaced with a permanent pavement in 1920.{{cite web |date=June 19, 1920 |title=Mending Riverside Drive; Roadway from 135th St. to 158th St. Will Be Finished Soon. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/06/19/archives/mending-riverside-drive-roadway-from-135th-st-to-158th-st-will-be.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810025317/https://www.nytimes.com/1920/06/19/archives/mending-riverside-drive-roadway-from-135th-st-to-158th-st-will-be.html |url-status=live }} The New York City Board of Estimate voted down a resolution in 1921 to build a parallel roadway to Riverside Drive between 155th and 175th streets, within Hamilton Heights, at a cost of $7 million.{{cite web |date=June 11, 1921 |title=West Riverside Drive Plan Fails; Board of Estimate Defeats Project Which Would Have Cost City $7,000,000. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1921/06/11/archives/west-riverside-drive-plan-fails-board-of-estimate-defeats-project.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140708/https://www.nytimes.com/1921/06/11/archives/west-riverside-drive-plan-fails-board-of-estimate-defeats-project.html |url-status=live }} The next year, borough president Julius Miller submitted plans to build a road, known as Riverside Drive West, between 155th and 177th streets for $2.791 million; this would serve as a bypass of the existing roadway.{{cite web |date=February 26, 1922 |title=Wants to Improve Riverside Drive; Borough President Submits Plan to Eliminate Curve at 155th Street |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/02/26/archives/wants-to-improve-riverside-drive-borough-president-submits-plan-to.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140709/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/02/26/archives/wants-to-improve-riverside-drive-borough-president-submits-plan-to.html |url-status=live }} The project would require the construction of several high retaining walls west of Riverside Drive West.{{cite web |date=March 5, 1922 |title=City Plan to Improve Riverside Drive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/03/05/archives/city-plan-to-improve-riverside-drive.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141213/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/03/05/archives/city-plan-to-improve-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }} In addition, the land east of Riverside Drive West between 155th and 161st streets, a hollow known as Garage Village,{{cite news |date=January 27, 1929 |title=Audubon House Acquisition Is Urged for City: Riverside League Also Recommends 155th–158th St. Site on Drive for Park |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=A5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1111945842}}}} was to be raised. The city's proposal to widen Riverside Drive required the acquisition of land, including a portion of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center's site along the Hudson River.{{cite news |date=March 24, 1923 |title=Medical Center Site Threatened By Park Plans: City Urged to Spare Big Plot of Ground Wanted . .. $20,000,000 Project on Riverside Drive Pela Referred to Miller Dr. Waller James Speaks for Columbia and Presbyterian Hospital in Voicing Protest |work=New-York Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1237299941}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=March 24, 1923 |title=Park Plan Imperils Great Medical Site; Threatens Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital $20,000,000 Centre |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/03/24/archives/park-plan-imperils-great-medical-site-threatens-columbia.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141214/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/03/24/archives/park-plan-imperils-great-medical-site-threatens-columbia.html |url-status=live }} The city also acquired land in Inwood Hill Park for a further northward extension into the Bronx,{{cite web |date=June 26, 1923 |title=City Weighs Offer of Billings Estate; Committee Is Named to Work Out Proposal to Convert It Into a Park. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/26/archives/city-weighs-offer-of-billings-estate-committee-is-named-to-work-out.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141216/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/26/archives/city-weighs-offer-of-billings-estate-committee-is-named-to-work-out.html |url-status=live }} and there were suggestions to extend the road to Westchester County, New York,{{cite web |date=October 18, 1925 |title=State and City Join to Aid Park System; Agree on Program to Develop Plans Here With Those for the Suburbs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/18/archives/state-and-city-join-to-aid-park-system-agree-on-program-to-develop.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |postscript=none |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141215/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/18/archives/state-and-city-join-to-aid-park-system-agree-on-program-to-develop.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1113877572}} |title=Boulevard Along Hudson River To Bear Mountain Span Asked Of Westchester County Board: $55,000,000 Project to Extend Riverside Drive Will Again Be Presented to Legislature as State Aid Undertaking; Bergen County, N. J., Also Pushes Construction of Roads to North |date=December 8, 1929 |page=B5 |work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646}} or the city of Troy.{{cite web | title=Riverside Drive to Troy is Urged; Engineers Ask Westchester to Get Right of Way as Far as Tarrytown at Once | website=The New York Times | date=November 22, 1929 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/22/archives/riverside-drive-to-troy-is-urged-engineers-ask-westchester-to-get.html | access-date=September 30, 2024 | archive-date=October 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141216/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/22/archives/riverside-drive-to-troy-is-urged-engineers-ask-westchester-to-get.html | url-status=live }}

The section of Riverside Drive between 165th and Dyckman streets was renovated for $1.25 million starting in 1924,{{cite web |date=May 24, 1925 |title=To Open New Part of Riverside Drive; City Officials Will Lead Parade Along Hudson on Memorial Day. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/24/archives/to-open-new-part-of-riverside-drive-city-officials-will-lead-parade.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141325/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/24/archives/to-open-new-part-of-riverside-drive-city-officials-will-lead-parade.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=May 31, 1925 |title=Hylan Says Papers Lied in Stories on 8-Cent Fare Report: Hits 'Subsidized, Corporation-Owned' Press in Address at Dedication of Riverside Drive Extension |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1112818839}}}} and the road reopened in May 1925.{{cite web |date=May 31, 1925 |title=Ceremonies Mark Riverside Reopening; 10,000 Parade as President Miller Turns the Drive Extension Over to Public |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/31/archives/ceremonies-mark-riverside-reopening-10000-parade-as-president.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141320/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/31/archives/ceremonies-mark-riverside-reopening-10000-parade-as-president.html |url-status=live }} Workers installed new plantings and repaved the road. The roadway was also widened by {{Convert|18|ft}}, requiring the construction of retaining walls as much as {{Convert|150|ft}} tall,{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Francis T. |date=October 26, 1924 |title=A New Riverside Drive Reports Progress |work=The New York Herald, New York Tribune |page=SMA11 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113595934}}}} and a wide sidewalk was built on the western side of the avenue, facing the river.{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=February 26, 1989 |title=Streetscapes: The Inspiration Point Shelter; Restoration for an All-but-Ruined Hudson 'Temple' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/26/realestate/streetscapes-inspiration-point-shelter-restoration-for-all-but-ruined-hudson.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102819/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/26/realestate/streetscapes-inspiration-point-shelter-restoration-for-all-but-ruined-hudson.html |url-status=live }} Near 190th Street, a scenic overlook was built at Inspiration Point, where Riverside Drive curved outward toward the river.{{cite web |last=Schneider |first=Daniel B. |date=July 22, 2001 |title=F.Y.I. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/22/nyregion/fyi-334898.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103634/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/22/nyregion/fyi-334898.html |url-status=live }} The Municipal Art Commission approved the construction of Riverside Drive West in 1926,{{cite web |date=November 10, 1926 |title=Mitchel Memorial Plans Approved; The Municipal Art Commission Favors Central Park Site to Honor Late Mayor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/10/archives/mitchel-memorial-plans-approved-the-municipal-art-commission-favors.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |postscript=none |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817185003/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/10/archives/mitchel-memorial-plans-approved-the-municipal-art-commission-favors.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=November 10, 1926 |title=Art Commission Adopts Mitchell Memorial Plan: Entrance to Central Park East at 90th Street Approved as Site by Body After Delay of 8 Years Subscribe $115,000 Fund Design Includes Bronze Bust of Late Mayor; Work May Start Immediately |page=21 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1112648275}}}} and workers began constructing foundations for the viaduct the same year.{{cite web |date=April 21, 1927 |title=Viaduct That Will Close Up Gap in Upper Riverside Drive. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/21/archives/viaduct-that-will-close-up-gap-in-upper-riverside-drive.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141218/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/21/archives/viaduct-that-will-close-up-gap-in-upper-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }} The city began requesting bids from steel contractors in April 1927,{{cite web |date=April 7, 1927 |title=City Calls for Bids on Structural Steel; 5,000 Tons Required for Viaduct on Riverside Drive – Additional Quantities for Subways. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/07/archives/city-calls-for-bids-on-structural-steel-5000-tons-required-for.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} and the P. T. Cox Construction Co. was hired to provide {{convert|5000|ST|LT t}} of structural steel for the viaduct.{{cite news |date=April 21, 1927 |title=Structural Steel: Cox Construction Low on City Viaduct Bid—week's Orders Call for Over 5,000 Tons |page=16 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|130476200}}}} Later that year, a state judge determined that it would cost $3.3 million to acquire land for a northward extension of Riverside Drive.{{cite web |date=December 24, 1927 |title=Park to Cost $3,331,501.; Justice Glennan Fixes Price for Riverside Drive Extension. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/12/24/archives/park-to-cost-3331501-justice-glennan-fixes-price-for-riverside.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817185002/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/12/24/archives/park-to-cost-3331501-justice-glennan-fixes-price-for-riverside.html |url-status=live }} The viaduct was opened on November 28, 1928, having cost $2.36 million.{{cite news |date=November 28, 1928 |title=Riverside Drive Viaduct Opened With Ceremony: $2.360.000 Steel and Stone Roadway Bridges Valley From 155th to 161st St Walker Praises Work Calls Thoroughfare One of Most Beautiful in World |page=3 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113403590}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | title=New Drive Viaduct Opened to Traffic; Officials Dedicate $2,360,000 Span Connecting 155th and 161st Streets. | website=The New York Times | date=November 28, 1928 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/28/archives/new-drive-viaduct-opened-to-traffic-officials-dedicate-2360000-span.html | access-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817192612/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/28/archives/new-drive-viaduct-opened-to-traffic-officials-dedicate-2360000-span.html | url-status=live }}

Other improvements along Riverside Drive were also undertaken in the 1920s. For instance, city controller Charles L. Craig wanted the Board of Estimate to build a parallel roadway above the West Side Line,{{cite news |date=December 20, 1923 |title=Riverfront Rights Of City Menaced by Delay, Asserts Craig: Urges Hulbert to Approve Riverside Drive Improvement Plan That Hylan Held Up Four Years Ago |work=New-York Tribune |page=8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1237322000}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=December 20, 1923 |title=Craig Says Delay is Fault of Hylan; Declares Mayor Has Withheld His Approval of West Side Improvement Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/12/20/archives/craig-says-delay-is-fault-of-hylan-declares-mayor-has-withheld-his.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} and one local organization requested that the avenue's sparsely-used bridle path be converted into a children's play area.{{cite web |date=May 26, 1925 |title=Wants Playground on Riverside Drive; Women's League Endorses Move to Utilize Bridle Path for the Children |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/26/archives/wants-playground-on-riverside-drive-womens-league-endorses-move-to.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822212400/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/26/archives/wants-playground-on-riverside-drive-womens-league-endorses-move-to.html |url-status=live }} The Manhattan Valley Viaduct was closed for repairs in 1923.{{cite news |date=December 3, 1923 |title=Year Taken to Repair 10-Block City Viaduct: Riverside Drive Residents Near 125th St. Elevated Structure Almost Give Up Hope of Completion |work=New-York Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1237314558}}}} In addition, to increase traffic flow on Riverside Drive, the city government retimed some traffic lights in 1928, allowing motorists to pass through several green lights at once.{{cite news |date=July 5, 1928 |title=New York to Try Out Co-ordinated Traffic Wave Plan: System of Control Lights to Be First Installed on Riverside Drive |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=4 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|512356803}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=June 28, 1928 |title=Lights 'Staggered' to Aid Drive Traffic; New System Permits Auto to Run Length of Street at Set Speed Without Stopping |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/06/28/archives/lights-staggered-to-aid-drive-traffic-new-system-permits-auto-to.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |postscript=none |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091253/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/06/28/archives/lights-staggered-to-aid-drive-traffic-new-system-permits-auto-to.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |last=Racusin |first=M. Jay |date=July 29, 1928 |title=Automatic Lights to Guide City's Traffic With Central Control |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=B1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113473642}}}} Near the northern end of the avenue, there were proposals for ramps to and from the then-new George Washington Bridge;{{cite web |date=April 18, 1929 |title=Bridge Approaches Beautify Hudson; Riverside Drive Approach to Hudson River Bridge. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/18/archives/bridge-approaches-beautify-hudson-riverside-drive-approach-to.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621120337/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/18/archives/bridge-approaches-beautify-hudson-riverside-drive-approach-to.html |url-status=live }} these ramps opened along with the bridge in 1931.{{cite news |date=October 18, 1931 |title=9 Routes Fixed In Traffic Rules At Hudson Span |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=16 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114148443}}}} Many luxury apartments continued to be developed on Riverside Drive in the 1920s and 1930s;{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2013|p=20}} however, upper-class residents were also starting to move away, and lower- and middle-class renters began to move in.{{cite news |date=June 10, 1928 |title=Society's Eden Garden Sliding Into East River: New York's Riverside Drive Figures in for-rent Column Instead of Social Register |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=12 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|162160033}}}}

= Mid-20th century =

During the mid-20th century, many of the apartment buildings on Riverside Drive started to deteriorate and were changed to single-room occupancy structures. White residents moved out of these buildings, and black and Hispanic residents moved in. The road was also frequently used as an alternate route to the Henry Hudson Parkway after that highway was completed.{{cite web |date=January 20, 1956 |title=One Traffic Unit Held City's Need; Experts Say That Mayor Took Backward Step in Setting Up Advisory Council Free Hand to Wiley Urged New Auto Tax Suggested |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/01/20/archives/one-traffic-unit-held-citys-need-experts-say-that-mayor-took.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095236/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/01/20/archives/one-traffic-unit-held-citys-need-experts-say-that-mayor-took.html |url-status=live }}

== 1930s and West Side Improvement ==

File:Riverside Drive (51431866063).jpg

As part of a pilot program in 1930, the city government retimed the traffic signal at the intersection of 120th Street and Riverside Drive, adding a pedestrian clearance interval; at the time, most of the city's traffic lights had no pedestrian clearance intervals.{{cite news |date=February 27, 1930 |title=Traffic Light Change Urged to Aid Pedestrians: Intermediate All-Red Signal Proposed by Hoyt at Cost of $500,000 in Manhattan Amber System Ineffective New Appropriation Would Also Complete Installation |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113132811}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=February 27, 1930 |title=Red Lights to Clear Way for Pedestrians; Hoyt Gives Board Police Plan to Halt All Vehicles While Walkers Cross Streets |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/27/archives/red-lights-to-clear-way-for-pedestrian-hoyt-gives-board-police-plan.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091308/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/27/archives/red-lights-to-clear-way-for-pedestrian-hoyt-gives-board-police-plan.html |url-status=live }} Also in 1930, a northward extension of Riverside Drive was again proposed in conjunction with the proposed Henry Hudson Bridge.{{cite news |date=May 9, 1930 |title=Riverside Drive Link to Yonkers Urged on Board: Engineers' Plan Up Today Calls for Hudson Memorial Bridge Over ihe Harlem May Cost $100,000,000 Favorable Action on Street Map Changes Is Expected |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113175971}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=May 9, 1930 |title=Riverdale Project Up to Board Today; Preliminary Map Changes Clear the Way for the Extension of Riverside Drive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/09/archives/riverdale-project-up-to-board-today-preliminary-map-changes-clear.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141640/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/09/archives/riverdale-project-up-to-board-today-preliminary-map-changes-clear.html |url-status=live }} The next year, workers began replacing the Manhattan Valley Viaduct's wood-block pavement,{{cite web |date=July 23, 1931 |title=Resurfacing Work on Fifth Av. Starts; Extra Crews Put On at Night to Avoid Delaying Traffic From 42d to 60th Street |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/07/23/archives/resurfacing-work-on-fifth-av-starts-extra-crews-put-on-at-night-to.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141640/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/07/23/archives/resurfacing-work-on-fifth-av-starts-extra-crews-put-on-at-night-to.html |url-status=live }} which was starting to deteriorate.{{cite web |date=March 17, 1929 |title=Studies Bridge Paving; Goldman Hopes to Replace Wood Blocks on Drive Viaduct. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/17/archives/studies-bridge-paving-goldman-hopes-to-replace-wood-blocks-on-drive.html |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142741/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/17/archives/studies-bridge-paving-goldman-hopes-to-replace-wood-blocks-on-drive.html |url-status=live }} The northern section of the West Side Elevated Highway, connecting to Riverside Drive's southern terminus, opened in 1932;{{cite web |date=March 7, 1932 |title=Walker Will Open New Traffic Link; Parade on Wednesday Wiil Mark Completion of Upper Section of West Side Express Road |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/07/archives/walker-will-open-new-traffic-link-parade-on-wednesday-wiil-mark.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009141641/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/07/archives/walker-will-open-new-traffic-link-parade-on-wednesday-wiil-mark.html |url-status=live }} this provided a link from Riverside Drive to the Holland Tunnel, which led to New Jersey.{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=February 17, 1991 |title=Streetscapes: The Miller Highway; Razed or Rebuilt, It's a Lost Cause |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/17/realestate/streetscapes-the-miller-highway-razed-or-rebuilt-it-s-a-lost-cause.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007104047/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/17/realestate/streetscapes-the-miller-highway-razed-or-rebuilt-it-s-a-lost-cause.html |url-status=live }} As part of the concurrent West Side Improvement project, the West Side railroad line was relocated into the Freedom Tunnel north of 72nd Street.{{Sfn|Stern|Gilmartin|Mellins|1987|pages=696–698}}{{cite news |date=June 15, 1934 |title=Plans Revealed For Riverside Park Extension: New York Central to Start Covering Tracks Within 8 Weeks, Engineer Says 'El' Highway to Grow Pulic Yacht Basin and Playground Are Features A Picturesque Spot Which Is Planned for Riverside Drive |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221672724}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=May 28, 1934 |title=West Side Project Ready to Hire 4,000; Signing of Buckley Bill Will Permit Immediate Starting of Work, Moses Announces |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/28/archives/west-side-project-ready-to-hire-4000-signing-of-buckley-bill-will.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824021445/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/28/archives/west-side-project-ready-to-hire-4000-signing-of-buckley-bill-will.html |url-status=live }} The Henry Hudson Parkway was also constructed as part of the West Side Improvement, and Riverside Park was greatly expanded as well.{{Sfn|Stern|Gilmartin|Mellins|1987|pages=698–700}}

In March 1934, the New York State Legislature approved a northward extension of Riverside Drive from Dyckman Street to the Bronx; this extension was to be developed as part of the Henry Hudson Parkway.{{cite news |date=March 22, 1934 |title=Marine Parkway Bill Is Passed by Assembly: Measure for Brooklyn-Queens Highway Goes to Governor |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1114809693}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=March 22, 1934 |title=Rockaway Project Passes Assembly; Parkway Authority Bill Goes to Lehman – Senate Votes Hudson Drive Extension |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/03/22/archives/rockaway-project-passes-assembly-parkway-authority-bill-goes-to.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142742/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/03/22/archives/rockaway-project-passes-assembly-parkway-authority-bill-goes-to.html |url-status=live }} Work on the extension began in February 1935;{{cite web |date=February 26, 1935 |title=Hudson Parkway Begun; Highway to Link Riverside Drive and Sawmill River Road. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/26/archives/hudson-parkway-begun-highway-to-link-riverside-drive-and-sawmill.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093906/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/26/archives/hudson-parkway-begun-highway-to-link-riverside-drive-and-sawmill.html |url-status=live }} the project was funded by a $3.1 million bond issue.{{cite news |date=April 5, 1935 |title=Parkway Issue Of $3,100,000 Offered Today: Banking Group to Float Bonds for Riverside Drive Extension and Bridge |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=29 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221580105}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=April 3, 1935 |title=Gets Fund to Link Drive and Parkway; Moses Announces the Sale of $3,100,000 Bonds for Upper Riverside Extension. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/03/archives/gets-fund-to-link-drive-and-parkway-moses-announces-the-sale-of.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142816/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/03/archives/gets-fund-to-link-drive-and-parkway-moses-announces-the-sale-of.html |url-status=live }} The city government also submitted plans in mid-1936 for a $7 million upgrade to the existing section of Riverside Drive between St. Clair Place (at the southern end of the Manhattan Valley Viaduct) and Dyckman Street.{{cite web |date=June 30, 1936 |title=Submits Drive Extension Plans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/30/archives/submits-drive-extension-plans.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142149/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/30/archives/submits-drive-extension-plans.html |url-status=live }} The portion of the parkway north of Dyckman Street opened in December 1936,{{cite news |date=December 13, 1936 |title=New Parkway Speeds Cars at 1,500 an Hour: Henry Hudson Link Saves 6 to 30 Minutes in Manhattan-Westchester Trip Bridge Toll On Tomorrow Shore Road Extension in Brooklyn Also Opened New Parkway Simplifies Manhattan-Westchester Drive |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=38 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1222356419}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=December 12, 1936 |title=50 City Officials Tour New Parkway; Led by La Guardia, the Party Inspects Spuyten Duyvil Bridge That Opens Today. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/12/archives/50-city-officials-tour-new-parkway-led-by-la-guardia-the-party.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093155/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/12/archives/50-city-officials-tour-new-parkway-led-by-la-guardia-the-party.html |url-status=live }} and the portion south of the George Washington Bridge opened the next year, relieving traffic on much of Riverside Drive.{{cite news |last=Addonizio |first=Joseph F. |date=October 10, 1937 |title=Real Estate Market News and Comment of City and Metropolitan Area |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=D1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1223331841}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=October 10, 1937 |title=West Side Highway to Open; Huge $24,000,000 Project Gives City a Fast Traffic Outlet to North and Provides 210 Acres of Parks and Play Areas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/10/10/archives/west-side-highway-to-open-huge-24000000-project-gives-city-a-fast.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824021437/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/10/10/archives/west-side-highway-to-open-huge-24000000-project-gives-city-a-fast.html |url-status=live }} The section of Riverside Drive between the George Washington Bridge and Dyckman Street was incorporated into the northbound roadway of Henry Hudson Parkway.{{cite web |date=June 23, 1935 |title=West Side Plan Proceeds on a New Basis; A Greater Riverside Park Is Combined With a Motor Artery for the City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/23/archives/west-side-plan-proceeds-on-a-new-basis-a-greater-riverside-park-is.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823185409/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/23/archives/west-side-plan-proceeds-on-a-new-basis-a-greater-riverside-park-is.html |url-status=live }} A parallel southbound roadway for the Henry Hudson Parkway was built between these two points.{{cite web |last=Mathieu |first=George M. |date=December 26, 1937 |title=New Local Roads Open; Extension and Widening Of Important Links Aid Motorists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/12/26/archives/new-local-roads-open-extension-and-widening-of-important-links-aid.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093158/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/12/26/archives/new-local-roads-open-extension-and-widening-of-important-links-aid.html |url-status=live }} When it opened in January 1938, the section of Riverside Drive between these two points was converted to a northbound-only road.{{cite news |date=January 15, 1938 |title=Hudson Parkway Link To Be Opened Today |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=28 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1242949417}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=January 16, 1938 |title=New Drive Opened Along West Side; Link in Scenic Henry Hudson Parkway Made Available for Southbound Traffic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/01/16/archives/new-drive-opened-along-west-side-link-in-scenic-henry-hudson.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007094611/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/01/16/archives/new-drive-opened-along-west-side-link-in-scenic-henry-hudson.html |url-status=live }}

Other changes along Riverside Drive took place during the 1930s. The city's police commissioner began allowing motorists to turn left on red at several intersections along Riverside Drive in 1937.{{cite web |date=March 3, 1937 |title=Changes in Traffic Rules; Certain Riverside Drive Corners Are Listed for Red-Light Turns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/03/03/archives/changes-in-traffic-rules-certain-riverside-drive-corners-are-listed.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091114/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/03/03/archives/changes-in-traffic-rules-certain-riverside-drive-corners-are-listed.html |url-status=live }} In addition, concrete curbs were installed along the Manhattan Valley Viaduct in the late 1930s to reduce the probability of motorists falling off the viaduct.{{cite news |date=May 6, 1940 |title=New Curbs To Be Built On Manhattan Viaducts: Will Prevent Cars From Striking Guard Rails |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1252782310}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=May 6, 1940 |title=Viaducts to Get New Safety Curbs; Secondary Walls of Reinforced Concrete Expected to Prevent Recurrence of Accidents |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/06/archives/viaducts-to-get-new-safety-curbs-secondary-walls-of-reinforced.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091037/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/06/archives/viaducts-to-get-new-safety-curbs-secondary-walls-of-reinforced.html |url-status=live }} By this decade, the architect Henry Wright had claimed that the buildings around Riverside Drive were "slums or potential slums", a claim that many local residents and architects denied.{{cite web |date=February 21, 1932 |title=See Unfair Attack on Riverside Drive; Property Owners and Architects Deny Wright's Charge It Has "Potential Slums." |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/02/21/archives/see-unfair-attack-on-riverside-drive-property-owners-and-architects.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142256/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/02/21/archives/see-unfair-attack-on-riverside-drive-property-owners-and-architects.html |url-status=live }} Conversely, the developer Charles V. Paterno predicted that the avenue would again become an upscale residential corridor because of its location and the construction of the Henry Hudson Parkway and George Washington Bridge.{{cite news |date=July 21, 1940 |title=Vast Changes Predicted for Riverside Drive: Dr. Charles V. Paterno Says They Will Come to Great Highway in Next 20 Years |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=C5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243042581}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=July 24, 1940 |title=Says River Assures Future of West Side; Paterno Sees Riverside Drive as Big Apartment Area |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/24/archives/says-river-assures-future-of-west-side-paterno-sees-riverside-drive.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007090904/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/24/archives/says-river-assures-future-of-west-side-paterno-sees-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }} Many row houses on Riverside Drive had been replaced with apartments by the 1930s.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2013|p=21}}

== 1940s and 1950s ==

Manhattan borough president Hugo Rogers claimed in the 1940s that some of the Manhattan Valley Viaduct's steel plates needed to be replaced.{{cite news |date=January 15, 1946 |title=Highway Planning Criticized by Rogers: Says Faulty Construction Will Raise Maintenance Costs |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=21B |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1284484186}}}} The section of Riverside Drive from 72nd to 79th streets was temporarily converted into a northbound-only road in 1951, and parking between 72nd and 96th streets was restricted, due to repairs on the Henry Hudson Parkway.{{cite web |date=June 27, 1951 |title=Parkway Detour Now Set For Northbound Drivers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/06/27/archives/parkway-detour-now-set-for-northbound-drivers.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091613/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/06/27/archives/parkway-detour-now-set-for-northbound-drivers.html |url-status=live }} In addition, to eliminate a longstanding bottleneck along Riverside Drive near the George Washington Bridge, a ramp from the bridge to the Henry Hudson Parkway opened in 1953.{{cite news |date=November 21, 1953 |title=Bridge Ramp to Hudson Pkwy, Opens |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325576782}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=November 19, 1953 |title=20 Years of Tie-ups at Bridge to End; Ramp, Opening Tomorrow at George Washington Span, to Speed Southbound Traffic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/19/archives/20-years-of-tieups-at-bridge-to-end-ramp-opening-tomorrow-at-george.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091935/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/19/archives/20-years-of-tieups-at-bridge-to-end-ramp-opening-tomorrow-at-george.html |url-status=live }} An alternate-side parking rule was implemented on the avenue in 1956; in conjunction with this change, 119 bus stops on Riverside Drive were relocated as well.{{cite web |date=January 27, 1956 |title=Parking Plan Extended; Alternate System Starts on Riverside Drive Monday |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/01/27/archives/parking-plan-extended-alternate-system-starts-on-riverside-drive.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093158/https://www.nytimes.com/1956/01/27/archives/parking-plan-extended-alternate-system-starts-on-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=January 27, 1956 |title=Suit to Bar Picketing Is Withdrawn |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326962206}}}} Although alternate-side parking had already been implemented on other nearby streets, Riverside Drive was maintained by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, rather than the New York City Department of Sanitation, and had been exempt from the rule.

The city government began reconstructing the viaduct from 153rd to 155th streets in March 1959; the project involved increasing the roadway's width from {{convert|45|to|59|ft}}, replacing the steel frame, and constructing new sidewalks.{{cite web |date=March 16, 1959 |title=Detours to Start on Riverside Drive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/03/16/archives/detours-to-start-on-riverside-drive.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093301/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/03/16/archives/detours-to-start-on-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }} Reconstruction was supposed to have been completed in September 1959,{{cite web |date=August 22, 1959 |title=Riverside Drive Work; Completion Set for Sept. 16 Despite Cement Tie-Up |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/22/archives/riverside-drive-work-completion-set-for-sept-16-despite-cement.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092413/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/22/archives/riverside-drive-work-completion-set-for-sept-16-despite-cement.html |url-status=live }} but the viaduct did not reopen until that December.{{cite news |date=December 8, 1959 |title=Viaduct to Reopen |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324219203}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=December 8, 1959 |title=Drive Viaduct to Be Reopened |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/08/archives/drive-viaduct-to-be-reopened.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093204/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/08/archives/drive-viaduct-to-be-reopened.html |url-status=live }} The same year, the city government began studying plans to improve lighting along the avenue.{{cite web |date=January 22, 1959 |title=Better Lights for Riverside Dr. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/22/archives/better-lights-for-riverside-dr.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093908/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/22/archives/better-lights-for-riverside-dr.html |url-status=live }} Also starting in 1959, the Manhattan Valley Viaduct was renovated at a cost of $1.4 million; workers added new roadways, replaced one-third of the viaduct, and added aluminum netting to discourage birds from nesting there.{{cite web |date=April 5, 1961 |title=Riverside Drive Job to Be Opened Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/05/archives/riverside-drive-job-to-be-opened-today.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092059/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/05/archives/riverside-drive-job-to-be-opened-today.html |url-status=live }} The viaduct was rededicated in April 1961 after the renovation was completed.{{cite news |date=April 6, 1961 |title=Viaduct Reopened to Full Traffic |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=21 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326254319}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=April 6, 1961 |title=Riverside Drive Viaduct Is Reopened to Traffic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/06/archives/riverside-drive-viaduct-is-reopened-to-traffic.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095226/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/06/archives/riverside-drive-viaduct-is-reopened-to-traffic.html |url-status=live }}

== 1960s and 1970s ==

File:194 and 200 Riverside Drive, Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York.jpg

When the George Washington Bridge's lower level opened in 1962, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) considered retiming the avenue's traffic lights to allow for smoother traffic flow.{{cite web |date=March 14, 1962 |title=Wall Street Does the Barnes Dance; All-Red Light System Tried Out at Broadway Corner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/14/archives/wall-street-does-the-barnes-dance-allred-light-system-tried-out-at.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131231835/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/14/archives/wall-street-does-the-barnes-dance-allred-light-system-tried-out-at.html |url-status=live }} A progressive-traffic-signal system was implemented in October 1962. During the morning, the traffic lights were timed for southbound traffic, while during the evening, the traffic lights were timed for northbound traffic.{{cite web |date=October 19, 1962 |title=Traffic to Be Eased on Riverside Drive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/10/19/archives/traffic-to-be-eased-on-riverside-drive.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091132/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/10/19/archives/traffic-to-be-eased-on-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }} The DOT also added radar antennas to traffic lights along the avenue, which collected data for a computerized traffic-signal control system.{{cite web |last=Stengren |first=Bernard |date=July 2, 1962 |title=Traffic Control to Adjust Itself On Riverside Drive Before 1963; Computers to Get and Send Messages Automatically to Meet Changing Needs City Engineers Explain |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/02/archives/traffic-control-to-adjust-itself-on-riverside-drive-before-1963.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091253/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/02/archives/traffic-control-to-adjust-itself-on-riverside-drive-before-1963.html |url-status=live }} In 1964, the DOT implemented no-standing rules on Riverside Drive north of 154th Street during the mornings, and it began using a radio system to control the traffic lights between 72nd and 154th streets.{{Cite news |date=July 10, 1964 |title=Riverside Dr. Gets New Plan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-riverside-dr-gets-new-plan/156530784/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=160 |postscript=none |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006124133/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-riverside-dr-gets-new-plan/156530784/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=July 10, 1964 |title=City Revises Plans for Riverside Drive |work=The New York Times |page=59 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115857752}}}} The changes were meant to increase traffic capacity,{{cite web |date=June 23, 1964 |title=New Plan to Speed Rush-Hour Traffic On Riverside Drive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/23/archives/new-plan-to-speed-rushhour-traffic-on-riverside-drive.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |postscript=none |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007100846/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/23/archives/new-plan-to-speed-rushhour-traffic-on-riverside-drive.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=June 23, 1964 |title=Riverside Drive Speedup |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-riverside-drive-speedup/156530929/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=222 |archive-date=October 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005210152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-riverside-drive-speedup/156530929/ |url-status=live }} but local residents opposed these changes, claiming that it would make Riverside Drive more congested.{{cite web |date=July 15, 1964 |title=Mothers Protest Traffic Proposal For Riverside Dr. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/15/archives/mothers-protest-traffic-proposal-for-riverside-dr.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093725/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/15/archives/mothers-protest-traffic-proposal-for-riverside-dr.html |url-status=live }} In addition, Riverside Drive was designated as part of a citywide bike route in 1968.{{cite web |date=February 10, 1968 |title=City to Designate a 50-Mile Trail for Bicycles; Opening of Special Route Expected in April |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/02/10/archives/city-to-designate-a-50mile-trail-for-bicycles-opening-of-special.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007100159/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/02/10/archives/city-to-designate-a-50mile-trail-for-bicycles-opening-of-special.html |url-status=live }}

The city announced plans in 1967 to construct a sewage tunnel under Riverside Drive, which would divert sewage away from the Hudson River.{{cite web |date=April 24, 1967 |title=8-Mile Tunnel Set for the West Side; $70-Million Waste Disposal Line to Run Most of Way Under Riverside Drive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/04/24/archives/8mile-tunnel-set-for-the-west-side-70million-waste-disposal-line-to.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092149/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/04/24/archives/8mile-tunnel-set-for-the-west-side-70million-waste-disposal-line-to.html |url-status=live }} City workers began excavating shafts for the tunnel in 1970, which required the construction of temporary footpaths, but local residents protested the project because it was too noisy.{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Alfred E. |date=March 5, 1970 |title=Residents Score Park Sewer Work |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/03/05/archives/residents-score-holes-near-riverside-drive-cause-angry-protests.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827173816/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/03/05/archives/residents-score-holes-near-riverside-drive-cause-angry-protests.html |url-status=live }} In response, the city government froze several tons of wet soil to reduce construction noise near the tunnel shafts.{{cite news |last=Weisman |first=Steven R. |date=October 24, 1970 |title=Cool Way Is Found to Cut Noise |work=The New York Times |page=32 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|117834412}}}} There were also proposals in the early 1970s to convert Riverside Drive to a one-way street during weekday rush hours, carrying southbound traffic in the morning and northbound traffic in the afternoon.{{cite web |last=Hudson |first=Edward |date=December 15, 1972 |title=Manhattan Parking Found 45% Illegal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/15/archives/new-jersey-pages-manhattan-parking-found-45-illegal-manhattan.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095954/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/15/archives/new-jersey-pages-manhattan-parking-found-45-illegal-manhattan.html |url-status=live }}

When a section of the Henry Hudson Parkway was entirely closed for repairs in January 1974,{{cite web |date=January 23, 1974 |title=Repairs Will Close 72d-79th St. Link Of Hodson Parkway |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/23/archives/repairs-will-close-72d79th-st-link-of-hudson-parkway.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095521/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/23/archives/repairs-will-close-72d79th-st-link-of-hudson-parkway.html |url-status=live }} drivers were detoured onto Riverside Drive, and a no-parking restriction was enacted between 72nd and 79th streets. These restrictions, and the increases in traffic on the avenue, prompted several residents to form an organization to protest congestion on Riverside Drive.{{cite web |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=June 27, 1974 |title=Car Invasion Spurs Gentle Folk To Riverside Drive Barricades |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/27/archives/car-invasion-spurs-gentle-folk-to-riverside-drive-barricades-the.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095425/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/27/archives/car-invasion-spurs-gentle-folk-to-riverside-drive-barricades-the.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=McKenna |first=Ken |date=June 21, 1974 |title=The collapsible highway roils the West Side |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-collapsible-highway-roils/156613418/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=39 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007100701/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-collapsible-highway-roils/156613418/ |url-status=live }} In response, the adjacent section of Henry Hudson Parkway was partly reopened as a reversible lane in September 1974,{{cite web |date=September 3, 1974 |title=Hudson Parkway to Get Alternating Traffic Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/03/archives/hudson-parkway-to-get-alternating-traffic-plan.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095955/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/03/archives/hudson-parkway-to-get-alternating-traffic-plan.html |url-status=live }} but this failed to decrease congestion on Riverside Drive.{{cite web |date=October 11, 1974 |title=Reversible Lanes End On West Side Highway |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/11/archives/reversible-lanes-end-on-west-side-highway.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007100701/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/11/archives/reversible-lanes-end-on-west-side-highway.html |url-status=live }} In addition, double-decker buses began running on the M5 route along Riverside Drive in 1976, requiring the relocation of several traffic lights and wires, as well as the removal of tree limbs.{{cite web |date=September 9, 1976 |title=Double-Decker Buses Force Some Changes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/09/archives/doubledecker-buses-force-some-changes.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142300/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/09/archives/doubledecker-buses-force-some-changes.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=September 10, 1976 |title=New Buses Too Tall For New York Streets |work=The Hartford Courant |page=16A |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|544741043}}}} By the 1970s, Riverside Drive was still occupied by middle-class residents, but there was frequent crime on the side streets due to the avenue's relatively isolated location.

= Late 20th century =

== 1980s and 1990s changes ==

In February 1980, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the portion of Riverside Park and Drive south of 125th Street as a New York City scenic landmark.{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Glenn |date=February 20, 1980 |title=Riverside Drive and Park Now Landmark; Park Vote Unanimous; Constructed in 1901 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/02/20/archives/riverside-drive-and-park-now-landmark-park-vote-unanimous.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405213033/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/02/20/archives/riverside-drive-and-park-now-landmark-park-vote-unanimous.html |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |department= |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Another renovation project for the Manhattan Valley Viaduct was scheduled in 1981, at which point the project was to cost $27 million. By then, a DOT official had rated the viaduct as severely deteriorated,{{cite web |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=October 16, 1983 |title=Replacing of Williamsburg Bridge is Studied |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/16/nyregion/replacing-of-williamsburg-bridge-is-studied.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054313/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/16/nyregion/replacing-of-williamsburg-bridge-is-studied.html |url-status=live }} and trucks and buses were banned from the viaduct due to the poor conditions.{{cite web | title=The city; Lanes Reopened On Riverside Dr. | website=The New York Times | date=October 13, 1983 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/13/nyregion/the-city-lanes-reopened-on-riverside-dr.html | access-date=October 6, 2024 | archive-date=October 7, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095400/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/13/nyregion/the-city-lanes-reopened-on-riverside-dr.html | url-status=live }}{{Cite news|first=Joyce|last=White|date=November 4, 1983|title=Drive, avenue on bond list|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-drive-avenue-on-bond-list/156620110/|access-date=October 6, 2024|work=Daily News|pages=119|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103222/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-drive-avenue-on-bond-list/156620110/|url-status=live}} Funding for repairs to the Manhattan Valley Viaduct and the 155th–161st streets viaduct were included in a $1.25 billion bond issue that was proposed in 1983,{{cite web |date=September 17, 1983 |title=List of Projects to Be Financed by the Proposed $1.25 Billion Bond Issue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/17/nyregion/list-of-projects-to-be-financed-by-the-proposed-1.25-billion-bond-issue.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524140650/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/17/nyregion/list-of-projects-to-be-financed-by-the-proposed-1.25-billion-bond-issue.html |url-status=live }} and New York state voters approved the bond issue that November.{{cite web |last=Lynn |first=Frank |date=November 9, 1983 |title=New York's Voters Give Approval to $1.25 Billion State Bond Issue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/09/nyregion/new-york-s-voters-give-approval-to-1.25-billion-state-bond-issue.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007101540/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/09/nyregion/new-york-s-voters-give-approval-to-1.25-billion-state-bond-issue.html |url-status=live }} The same year, workers began replacing some of the viaduct's floor beams for $250,000.{{Cite news |last=Wiener |first=Caryn Eve |date=October 13, 1983 |title='Reinforcing' Riverside Drive |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-reinforcing-riverside-drive/156656421/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=19 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007101630/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-reinforcing-riverside-drive/156656421/ |url-status=live }} The Manhattan Valley Viaduct closed for renovations in 1984,{{Cite news |last=Preston |first=Jennifer |date=September 23, 1984 |title=City Traffic Woes Growing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-city-traffic-woes-growing/156655455/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=6, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-city-traffic-woes-growing/156655485/ 24] |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102733/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-city-traffic-woes-growing/156655455/ |url-status=live }} and it reopened that November following emergency repairs.{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Joseph |date=November 10, 1984 |title=Viaduct Opened on Riverside Dr. Two Days Late |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/10/nyregion/viaduct-opened-on-riverside-dr-two-days-late.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091600/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/10/nyregion/viaduct-opened-on-riverside-dr-two-days-late.html |url-status=live }}

The New York State Department of Transportation closed the Manhattan Valley Viaduct again in May 1985 for emergency repairs.{{Cite news |date=May 18, 1985 |title=Metro |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-metro/156655387/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=132 |postscript=none |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142814/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-metro/156655387/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |date=May 18, 1985 |title=Riverside Drive Bridge Closed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/18/nyregion/riverside-drive-bridge-closed.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |agency=The Associated Press |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142746/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/18/nyregion/riverside-drive-bridge-closed.html |url-status=live }} The deck had corroded significantly, prompting officials to spend another $9.5 million replacing girders. That December, city officials announced that they would spend $26 million rebuilding the Manhattan Valley Viaduct and partially reopening it.{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1985 |title=Neighborhood Briefs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-neighborhood-briefs/156655701/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=181 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103939/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-neighborhood-briefs/156655701/ |url-status=live }} The project involved replacing most of the viaduct's superstructure,{{cite web |last=Hevesi |first=Dennis |date=April 18, 1988 |title=New York City Needs to Find Funds to Repair 600 Bridges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/18/nyregion/new-york-city-needs-to-find-funds-to-repair-600-bridges.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102403/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/18/nyregion/new-york-city-needs-to-find-funds-to-repair-600-bridges.html |url-status=live }} in addition to replacing the existing deck with a lightweight concrete deck. The Manhattan Valley Viaduct fully reopened in July 1987,{{cite news |date=July 1, 1987 |title=Manhattan Neighborhoods |work=Newsday |page=29 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|277775410}}}} having cost $36 million in total to renovate. Further north, portions of Riverside Drive in Hamilton Heights collapsed in 1986 following a water main break,{{cite web |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=September 22, 1986 |title=On Riverside Drive, 2 Vast Craters: On Riverside Drive, 2 Craters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/22/nyregion/on-riverside-drive-2-vast-craters.html |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091237/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/22/nyregion/on-riverside-drive-2-vast-craters.html |url-status=live }} and the section of Riverside Drive in Hamilton Heights was partially closed for repairs.{{cite web |date=January 3, 1987 |title=New York Agenda |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/03/nyregion/new-york-agenda.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007101622/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/03/nyregion/new-york-agenda.html |url-status=live }} In addition, when a condominium building was completed at 222 Riverside Drive in 1988, it was the first apartment building to be erected on the avenue in 35 years.{{cite web |last=Waite |first=Thomas L. |date=February 14, 1988 |title=Postings; New on Riverside: As Good as Old |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/14/realestate/postings-new-on-riverside-as-good-as-old.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007101633/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/14/realestate/postings-new-on-riverside-as-good-as-old.html |url-status=live }}

In 1991, the city government proposed rebuilding the section of the avenue north of 135th Street. Local residents initially opposed the project because it would require the removal of trees in the median, so the DOT decided instead to retain all but eight of the trees.{{cite news |last=Bunch |first=William |date=October 17, 1991 |title=Closeup Project Alters Landscape of Riverside Dr |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-closeup-project-alters-landscape/156669437/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=31 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278432111}} |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102824/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-closeup-project-alters-landscape/156669437/ |url-status=live }} Work began in 1992. The sidewalks from 135th to 153rd streets were also rebuilt to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); at the time, some of the sidewalks had a slope of 6%, three times the maximum slope allowed under the ADA. As a result, 20 buildings along the street had to build stairways to their entrances, and Manhattan Community Board 9 requested that the LPC protect the northern portion of the street. In the late 1990s, local groups restored two traffic islands on Riverside Drive,{{cite web |last=Siegal |first=Nina |date=December 12, 1999 |title=Neighborhood Report: Morningside Heights; Traffic Island Is in Bloom; 19th-Century Time Capsule |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/12/nyregion/neighborhood-report-morningside-heights-traffic-island-bloom-19th-century-time.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103507/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/12/nyregion/neighborhood-report-morningside-heights-traffic-island-bloom-19th-century-time.html |url-status=live }} and the DOT hired a contractor to restore the viaduct in Hamilton Heights.{{cite magazine |date=April 20, 1998 |title=New York |magazine=Engineering News-Record |page=117 |volume=240 |issue=16 |id={{ProQuest|235662039}}}} By then, the values of apartments on the southern portion of Riverside Drive had increased significantly compared with earlier in the decade.{{cite web |last=Rozhon |first=Tracie |date=October 23, 1997 |title=Turf; Co-op Boards Twist The Screws |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/23/garden/turf-co-op-boards-twist-the-screws.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103508/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/23/garden/turf-co-op-boards-twist-the-screws.html |url-status=live }}

== Riverside South extension<span class="anchor" id="Riverside Boulevard"></span> ==

File:Trump Place street jeh.JPG

In the 1980s, the developer Donald Trump, who owned {{convert|57|acre|m2}} of a Penn Central freight rail yard south of Riverside Park, proposed a large real estate development project on that site.Leuck, Thomas J. [https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/31/arts/nbc-will-not-move-to-television-city.html "NBC Will Not Move to Television City"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826124444/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/31/arts/nbc-will-not-move-to-television-city.html |date=August 26, 2018 }}, The New York Times, October 31, 1987. "The developer plans the world's tallest building – 150 floors of offices and apartments – and other structures that would include 7,600 apartments, a large shopping mall, a parking garage and a hotel." Following financial difficulties and opposition from local civic groups, Trump announced a modified plan in 1991.{{Cite news |last=Bunker |first=Ted |date=March 6, 1991 |title=Trump unveils W. Side project |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-trump-unveils-w-side-project/156669495/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=15 |postscript=none |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102826/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-trump-unveils-w-side-project/156669495/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |last=Tierney |first=John |date=March 6, 1991 |title='Art of the Deal,' Scaled-Back Edition |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/06/nyregion/art-of-the-deal-scaled-back-edition.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525224030/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/06/nyregion/art-of-the-deal-scaled-back-edition.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Birch |first=Eugenie L. |date=Autumn 1996 |title=Planning in a world city |magazine=American Planning Association |page=442 |volume=62 |issue=4 |id={{ProQuest|229638177}}}} Under the agreed-upon plan, Trump would expand Riverside Park by {{convert|23|acre|m2}} and construct a southern extension of Riverside Drive as far south as 59th Street. Paul Willen, who had led one of the civic groups that opposed the original plan, had suggested extending Riverside Drive "to make such an abandoned lump of a place feel like New York again".{{cite news |last=Hiss |first=Tony |date=September 8, 1991 |title=Without intending to, a group of energetic New Yorkers may be inventing a new approach to design at Riverside South. |work=The New York Times |page=H44 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|108618638}}}} The extension would also relieve traffic congestion on West End Avenue one block east.{{cite web |last=Ryan |first=Benjamin |date=February 3, 2003 |title=Community Boards |url=https://observer.com/2003/02/community-boards-16/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Observer |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102906/https://observer.com/2003/02/community-boards-16/ |url-status=live }}

Trump's plans for the southern extension of Riverside Drive called for the avenue to run down the middle of the development.{{Cite magazine |last=Bressi |first=Todd W. |date=May 1995 |title=New York holds the trump card |magazine=Planning |page=4 |volume=61 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|206705771}}}}{{Cite magazine |last=Glazer |first=Nathan |date=Fall 1992 |title='Subverting the Context': Public Space and Public Design |magazine=The Public Interest |pages=6–7 |volume=109 |id={{ProQuest|1298115483}}}} The 1991 plan also called for office and apartment buildings on the newly extended avenue, similar in height to the existing buildings on Riverside Drive,{{cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=February 16, 1992 |title=Plan Readied for a Smaller Trump City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/16/realestate/plan-readied-for-a-smaller-trump-city.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103334/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/16/realestate/plan-readied-for-a-smaller-trump-city.html |url-status=live }} although these buildings were later increased in size. The boulevard would run above a relocated West Side Highway, functioning as a service road to that expressway;{{cite web |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=July 1, 1990 |title=Architecture View; Another Chance for a Prime Piece of Real Estate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/01/arts/architecture-view-another-chance-for-a-prime-piece-of-real-estate.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826130505/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/01/arts/architecture-view-another-chance-for-a-prime-piece-of-real-estate.html |url-status=live }} the proposal to relocate the West Side Highway was deferred due to political opposition.{{cite news |last=Herman |first=Eric |date=March 12, 2001 |title=Trump Taking Slow Road on West Side |work=New York Daily News |page=30 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305641981}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Ian |date=November 24, 1995 |title=Plan to Put Part of West Side Highway Underground Suffers Setback inCongress |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/24/nyregion/plan-to-put-part-of-west-side-highway-underground-suffers-setback-incongress.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103337/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/24/nyregion/plan-to-put-part-of-west-side-highway-underground-suffers-setback-incongress.html |url-status=live }} The approved plans called for Riverside Drive's extension to be built atop a viaduct,{{cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=February 25, 1997 |title=In Trump Revision, Highway Stays and Park Goes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/25/nyregion/in-trump-revision-highway-stays-and-park-goes.html |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215133655/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/25/nyregion/in-trump-revision-highway-stays-and-park-goes.html |url-status=live }} but in October 1997, several civic groups sued Trump after he reneged on the viaduct plans.{{cite web |last=Halbfinger |first=David M. |date=October 2, 1997 |title=Critics of Trump's Riverside South Focus on Road Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/02/nyregion/critics-of-trump-s-riverside-south-focus-on-road-plan.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102603/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/02/nyregion/critics-of-trump-s-riverside-south-focus-on-road-plan.html |url-status=live }} By 1999, the Riverside Drive extension was known as Riverside Boulevard.{{cite web |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |date=June 25, 1999 |title=Protests Supplanted By Praise; Trump Place Becomes Real, and Even Popular |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/25/nyregion/protests-supplanted-by-praise-trump-place-becomes-real-and-even-popular.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102825/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/25/nyregion/protests-supplanted-by-praise-trump-place-becomes-real-and-even-popular.html |url-status=live }} Due to a lack of available space, Riverside Boulevard and Riverside Drive are not directly linked; they are instead connected by a short section of 72nd Street.{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Denny |date=March 18, 2001 |title=Neighborhood Report: Upper West Side; Up Riverside, Trump's Road Goes; Where It Stops, Nobody Knows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/18/nyregion/neighborhood-report-upper-west-side-up-riverside-trump-s-road-goes-where-it.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103357/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/18/nyregion/neighborhood-report-upper-west-side-up-riverside-trump-s-road-goes-where-it.html |url-status=live }}

By 2003, Riverside Boulevard ran from 66th to 72nd streets. The northbound lanes of the West Side Highway from 59th to 72nd streets were still planned to be relocated into a tunnel under Riverside Boulevard.{{cite web |last=Barron |first=James |date=June 23, 2006 |title=The Surprise in This Box? A Highway, Some Assembly Required |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/23/nyregion/23box.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121061626/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/23/nyregion/23box.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Cho |first=Aileen |date=November 13, 2006 |title=Manhattan Tunnel Structure Is Built for the Long Term |magazine=Engineering News-Record |pages=17–18 |volume=257 |issue=19 |id={{ProQuest|235732552}}}} In June 2006, Riverside South's developer began construction of the northbound tunnel. The first phase of the tunnel measured {{convert|45|ft}} wide and {{convert|250|ft}} long and was {{convert|30|ft}} above sea level. The rest of the tunnel remains incomplete.{{cite web |last=Polsky |first=Sara |date=October 12, 2010 |title=Riverside South Still Plans to Cover the West Side Highway Someday |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2010/10/12/10500296/riverside-south-still-plans-to-cover-the-west-side-highway-someday |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007101718/https://ny.curbed.com/2010/10/12/10500296/riverside-south-still-plans-to-cover-the-west-side-highway-someday |url-status=live }} The connection between Riverside Drive's southern terminus and Riverside Boulevard remained closed until November 2011.{{cite web |last=Haughney |first=Christine |date=November 28, 2011 |title=Debate Over Riverside Boulevard Meeting Drive on the Upper West Side |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/28/nyregion/debate-over-riverside-boulevard-meeting-drive-on-upper-west-side.html |access-date=October 31, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}

= Early 21st century =

Upper-class residents were beginning to move back to Riverside Drive by the first decade of the 21st century. In 2005, the retaining wall of Castle Village collapsed onto the northern section of Riverside Drive and the northbound lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway.{{cite web |date=April 2007 |title=Board of Inquiry Report – Castle Village Retaining Wall Collapse |url=http://nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/castle_village_report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524092522/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/castle_village_report.pdf |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=April 2, 2010 |publisher=New York City Department of Buildings}}{{cite web |last=Luo |first=Michael |date=May 13, 2005 |title=Wall That Collapsed Onto N.Y. Highway Had a Shaky Past |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/13/nyregion/wall-that-collapsed-onto-ny-highway-had-a-shaky-past.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306231951/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/13/nyregion/wall-that-collapsed-onto-ny-highway-had-a-shaky-past.html |url-status=live }} Part of Riverside Drive had to be closed while the wall was repaired.{{cite web |last1=Chan |first1=Sewell |last2=Robertson |first2=Campbell |date=May 15, 2005 |title=Officials Hope to Reopen 2 Traffic Lanes at Collapse Site |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/15/nyregion/officials-hope-to-reopen-2-traffic-lanes-at-collapse-site.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} The wall was repaired and the roadway reopened in March 2008.{{cite web |author=Teal, Brett |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Castle Village residents' 5-year reconstruction ordeal finally ends |url=http://northattan.com/2010/11/23/castle-village-residents-5-year-reconstruction-ordeal-finally-ends/ |access-date=April 30, 2014 |work=Northattan |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005942/http://northattan.com/2010/11/23/castle-village-residents-5-year-reconstruction-ordeal-finally-ends/ |url-status=dead }}

By the 2010s, the intersection of Riverside Drive and 79th Street was among the most dangerous on the Upper West Side, prompting Manhattan Community Board 7 to request that the intersection be redesigned.{{cite web |last=O'Connell-Domenech |first=Alejandra |date=September 6, 2019 |title=U.W.S. board: Traffic unsafe at Riverside Dr. and 79th St. |url=https://www.amny.com/news/u-w-s-board-traffic-unsafe-at-riverside-dr-and-79th-st-2/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=amNewYork |postscript=none |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207005633/https://www.amny.com/news/u-w-s-board-traffic-unsafe-at-riverside-dr-and-79th-st-2/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |last=Krisel |first=Brendan |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Traffic Fixes Needed At Dangerous UWS Crossing: Community Board |url=https://patch.com/new-york/upper-west-side-nyc/traffic-fixes-needed-dangerous-uws-crossing-community-board |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Upper West Side, NY Patch |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142747/https://patch.com/new-york/upper-west-side-nyc/traffic-fixes-needed-dangerous-uws-crossing-community-board |url-status=live }} The DOT proposed narrowing Riverside Drive to one lane in each direction from 116th to 135th streets in early 2015,{{cite web |date=June 13, 2023 |title=DOT Proposes Riverside Drive Traffic Calming, But Not Bike Lanes |url=https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2015/01/09/dot-proposes-riverside-drive-traffic-calming-but-not-bike-lanes |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=Streetsblog New York City |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142750/https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2015/01/09/dot-proposes-riverside-drive-traffic-calming-but-not-bike-lanes |url-status=live }} but this was changed to two northbound and one southbound lanes following opposition from local residents.{{cite web |date=June 13, 2023 |title=DOT Weakened Riverside Drive Plan to Appease Manhattan CB 9 [Updated] |url=https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2015/12/09/dot-weakened-riverside-drive-plan-to-appease-manhattan-cb-9 |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=Streetsblog New York City |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102950/https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2015/12/09/dot-weakened-riverside-drive-plan-to-appease-manhattan-cb-9 |url-status=live }} As part of a related project the same year, speed limits from 103rd to 165th streets were reduced from {{Convert|30|to|25|mph}}; the section of Riverside Drive south of 103rd Street was already restricted to 25 miles per hour.{{cite web |date=June 13, 2023 |title=DOT Is Finally Bringing Riverside Drive in Line With 25 MPH City Speed Limit |url=https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2015/12/04/dot-is-finally-bringing-riverside-drive-in-line-with-25-mph-city-speed-limit |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Streetsblog New York City |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103617/https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2015/12/04/dot-is-finally-bringing-riverside-drive-in-line-with-25-mph-city-speed-limit |url-status=live }} The city government awarded a $102 million construction contract in 2018 to Judlau Contracting for the restoration of the viaduct near 155th Street.{{cite web |last=Cubarrubia |first=Eydie |date=May 17, 2019 |title=Judlau is ENR New York's 2019 Contractor of the Year |url=https://www.enr.com/blogs/23-ny-construction-central/post/46877-judlau-is-enr-new-yorks-2019-contractor-of-the-year |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Engineering News-Record |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401222104/https://www.enr.com/blogs/23-ny-construction-central/post/46877-judlau-is-enr-new-yorks-2019-contractor-of-the-year |url-status=live }} In 2020, to increase safety, the DOT reduced the speed limit on Riverside Drive between 165th and 181st streets from {{Convert|30|to|25|mph}}.{{cite web |last=Bascome |first=Erik |date=September 1, 2020 |title=Vision Zero: NYC speed camera system now largest in the world; 2,000 speed cams expected by end of 2021 |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2020/09/vision-zero-nyc-speed-camera-system-now-largest-in-the-world-2000-speed-cams-expected-by-end-of-2021.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=silive |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103545/https://www.silive.com/news/2020/09/vision-zero-nyc-speed-camera-system-now-largest-in-the-world-2000-speed-cams-expected-by-end-of-2021.html |url-status=live }}

<span class="anchor" id="Buildings and structures"></span>Structures

Between 72nd and 125th streets, nearly every block of Riverside Drive is part of a New York City historic district, and the buildings on these blocks date from before World War II. These include the West End-Collegiate Historic District between 72nd and 79th streets; the Riverside Drive-West 80th–81st Street Historic District between 80th and 81st streets;{{Efn|Including four buildings south of 80th Street, and the block from 80th to 81st Street}} the Riverside-West End Historic District between 81st and 108th streets;{{Efn|Except for the building just south of 96th Street, which is not part of any historic district, and the block from 105th to 106th Street, which is part of the Riverside-West 105th Street Historic District.}} the Riverside-West 105th Street Historic District between 105th and 106th streets; and the Morningside Heights Historic District between 108th and 119th streets.{{cite web |url=https://nyclpc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=93a88691cace4067828b1eede432022b |title=Discover New York City Landmarks |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |via=ArcGIS |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109050713/https://nyclpc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=93a88691cace4067828b1eede432022b |url-status=live }}

The buildings on Riverside Drive are mainly residential structures south of 165th Street, and there are very few stores on Riverside Drive. In 1927, one of the avenue's only businesses at the time was shuttered after residents of Riverside Drive spoke in favor of keeping the avenue a "strictly residential zone".{{cite magazine |date=July 12, 1927 |title=Riverside Drive Closed To Trade: Bureau Of Appeals Votes Against Continuance Of Establishment In Residential Zone |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |page=1 |volume=35 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|1654213335}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | title=Caterer Can't Stay on Riverside Drive; Standards and Appeals Board Orders the Patrician to Move Under Zoning Law | website=The New York Times | date=July 13, 1927 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/07/13/archives/caterer-cant-stay-on-riverside-drive-standards-and-appeals-board.html | access-date=September 29, 2024 | archive-date=October 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009142750/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/07/13/archives/caterer-cant-stay-on-riverside-drive-standards-and-appeals-board.html | url-status=live }} In addition, zoning regulations prohibited garage entrances from being built onto Riverside Drive in the mid-20th century,{{cite web |date=July 20, 1927 |title=Garage on Riverside Drive; City to Permit Erection, but Bars Entrance on Thoroughfare. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/07/20/archives/garage-on-riverside-drive-city-to-permit-erection-but-bars-entrance.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143205/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/07/20/archives/garage-on-riverside-drive-city-to-permit-erection-but-bars-entrance.html |url-status=live }} and all buildings on the avenue had to include progressively deeper setbacks above a height of {{Convert|125|or|150|ft}}.{{cite web |last=Oser |first=Alan S. |date=October 23, 1983 |title=City Ponders Future Course on Zoning |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/23/realestate/city-ponders-future-course-on-zoning.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095530/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/23/realestate/city-ponders-future-course-on-zoning.html |url-status=live }}

= Residential buildings =

== Mansions and row houses ==

File:116th-Street-and-Riverside-Drive.jpg and The Paterno at 116th Street|alt=Curved facades of The Colosseum and The Paterno at 116th Street]]

At the end of the 19th century, the eastern side of Riverside Drive was lined with luxuriously finished rowhouses interspersed with free-standing mansions set in large lawns.{{cite news |date=May 14, 1899 |title=No Longer in Seclusion: the Resident of Riverside Drive Surrounded by Conveniences Houses That Form a Fitting Border for a Beautiful Shore Thorough-fare and Park |page=B1 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574615690}}}}{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1899 |title=Manhattan Real Estate a Gilt Edged Security |pages=33 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-manhattan-real/130169443/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817162424/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-manhattan-real/130169443/ |url-status=live }} Several freestanding mansions were built along Riverside Drive in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=11}}{{cite book |last=Kathrens |first=Michael C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tr6XMQEACAAJ |title=Great Houses of New York, 1880–1940 |publisher=Acanthus Press |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-926494-80-0 |page=95 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143309/https://books.google.com/books?id=tr6XMQEACAAJ |url-status=live }} at a time when developers envisioned Riverside Drive as a rival to the millionaires' row on Fifth Avenue.{{Cite news |last=Barnett |first=Sheryl |date=February 8, 1990 |title=Fame, Fortune and Great Expectations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-fame-fortune-and-great-expectat/144833626/ |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=169 |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405213033/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-fame-fortune-and-great-expectat/144833626/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=August 24, 1997 |title=A Fading Reminder of Turn-of-the-Century Elegance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/24/realestate/a-fading-reminder-of-turn-of-the-century-elegance.html |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312012204/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/24/realestate/a-fading-reminder-of-turn-of-the-century-elegance.html |url-status=live}} The Isaac L. Rice Mansion at 89th Street, and the Schinasi Mansion at 107th Street, are the only remaining freestanding mansions on Riverside Drive. The Charles M. Schwab House, built in 1905 for steel magnate Charles M. Schwab on a full city block between 73rd and 74th streets, was replaced in 1950 by the 18-story Schwab House apartment building.{{cite web | last=Gray | first=Christopher | title=The Late Great Charles Schwab Mansion | website=The New York Times | date=July 8, 2010 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/realestate/11streets.html | access-date=April 14, 2024 | archive-date=December 29, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229012328/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/realestate/11streets.html | url-status=live }}

Riverside Drive includes several notable row houses as well, which were generally occupied by the middle class,{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980|page=12}} though comparatively few townhouses remain standing. Near 72nd Street, the Prentiss residence at 1 Riverside Drive and the Kleeberg residence at 3 Riverside Drive (both New York City designated landmarks) were developed in the late 1890s as part of a group of four ornate row houses.{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=February 2, 2012 |title=Houses Designed for Millionaires and Musicians |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/realestate/upper-west-side-streetscapes-houses-designed-for-millionaires-and-musicians.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118213556/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/realestate/upper-west-side-streetscapes-houses-designed-for-millionaires-and-musicians.html |url-status=live }} There are several rowhouses with stepped gables at 74–78 Riverside Drive, a relative rarity on the avenue, where most row houses were designed in the Beaux-Arts style. At 83rd Street is a set of houses designed by Clarence True in 1899, which are all designated as city landmarks.{{cite web |date=June 21, 2018 |title=103, 104, 105, Riverside Drive Houses & 332 West 83rd Street House |url=https://hdc.org/buildings/103-104-105-riverside-drive-house-332-west-83rd-street-house/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=HDC |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526033613/https://hdc.org/buildings/103-104-105-riverside-drive-house-332-west-83rd-street-house/ |url-status=live }} The same architect designed other houses along the avenue between 72nd and 84th streets, including a set of houses on 80th and 81st streets that he designed along with Charles H. Israel.{{sfn|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|page=363}}{{sfn|Azzarone|2022|p=123}} The Baumgarten House at 294 Riverside Drive, designed in 1901 by Schickel & Ditmars, is also a city landmark.{{cite web |date=June 21, 2018 |title=William and Clara Baumgarten House |url=https://hdc.org/buildings/william-and-clara-baumgarten-house/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=HDC |archive-date=September 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925130321/https://hdc.org/buildings/william-and-clara-baumgarten-house/ |url-status=live }} The block between 105th and 106th streets contains the Beaux-Arts–styled Davis Mansion at 330 Riverside Drive{{Sfn|Azzarone|2022|page=159}} and the "Seven Beauties" at 331–337 Riverside Drive.{{Sfn|Azzarone|2022|page=159}}

== Apartment buildings ==

Many of Riverside Drive's apartment buildings date from between the 1900s and the 1930s, with curving facades along the avenue. The southern portion of Riverside Drive is lined with many Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and Renaissance Revival apartment buildings, mostly housing cooperatives; in particular, the section south of 96th Street is primarily occupied by luxury co-ops. The structures on the northern portion of Riverside Drive are designed in more modest styles, and there are more rental apartments. On both sections of Riverside Drive, some buildings are condominiums.

Multiple apartment houses along Riverside Drive are designated as individual city landmarks. These include the Normandy, an Art Moderne and Renaissance Revival apartment house between 86th and 87th streets,{{Cite news |last=Purnick |first=Joyce |date=November 14, 1985 |title=On West Side, a New Battle of Normandy |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/11/14/nyregion/on-west-side-a-new-battle-of-normandy.html |access-date=June 14, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143833/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/11/14/nyregion/on-west-side-a-new-battle-of-normandy.html |url-status=live }} and the Master Apartments, a 27-story Art Deco tower at 310 Riverside Drive.{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=January 29, 1995 |title=Streetscapes/The Master Apartments; A Restoration for the Home of a Russian Philosopher |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/29/realestate/streetscapes-master-apartments-restoration-for-home-russian-philosopher.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143917/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/29/realestate/streetscapes-master-apartments-restoration-for-home-russian-philosopher.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Sedacca |first=Matthew |date=November 12, 2021 |title=A Particularly Eccentric Upper West Side Apartment Building |url=https://www.curbed.com/article/master-building-upper-west-side-nyc.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=Curbed |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829185911/https://www.curbed.com/article/master-building-upper-west-side-nyc.html |url-status=live }} At 150th Street is the Beaumont Apartments, an 11-story structure at 730 Riverside Drive built in 1913.{{cite web |last=Schiffbauer |first=Elisabeth |date=June 26, 2013 |title=Author Ralph Ellison's Former Riverside Apartment Complex Considered for Landmarking [UPDATE: Beaumont Designated] |url=https://www.citylandnyc.org/author-ralph-ellisons-former-riverside-apartment-complex-considered-for-landmarking/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=CityLand |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914141918/https://www.citylandnyc.org/author-ralph-ellisons-former-riverside-apartment-complex-considered-for-landmarking/ |url-status=live }}

Riverside Drive has other notable apartment structures. The Clarendon at 137 Riverside Drive, just south of 86th Street, has a mansard roof with a five-story penthouse apartment.{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=May 1, 1994 |title=Streetscapes/137 Riverside Drive (The Clarendon); Hearst's Opulent Quintuplex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/01/realestate/streetscapes-137-riverside-drive-the-clarendon-hearst-s-opulent-quintuplex.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} At 243 Riverside Drive near 96th Street is the Cliff Dwelling, a former apartment hotel,{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=January 6, 2002 |title=Streetscapes/Cliff Dwelling at 96th Street and Riverside Drive; A Terra Cotta Masterpiece in Unusual Dimensions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/06/realestate/streetscapes-cliff-dwelling-96th-street-riverside-drive-terra-cotta-masterpiece.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230083130/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/06/realestate/streetscapes-cliff-dwelling-96th-street-riverside-drive-terra-cotta-masterpiece.html |url-status=live }} while the 370 Riverside Drive building was completed in 1923 by Simon Schwartz and Arthur Gross, at 109th Street.{{cite web |title=370 Riverside Drive, New York City |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=67061 |access-date=October 30, 2012 |publisher=SkyscraperPage.com |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143809/https://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=67061 |url-status=live }} There are several major apartment houses on Riverside Drive in Morningside Heights. These include The Colosseum and The Paterno, a pair of structures at 116th Street with facades curving in opposite directions,{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=August 15, 1999 |title=Streetscapes/The Colosseum and the Paterno, 116th Street and Riverside Drive; At Curves in the Road, 2 Unusually Shaped Buildings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/15/realestate/streetscapes-colosseum-paterno-116th-street-riverside-drive-curves-road-2.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822001405/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/15/realestate/streetscapes-colosseum-paterno-116th-street-riverside-drive-curves-road-2.html |url-status=live }} and International House, a 13-story apartment structure erected in 1924 at 500 Riverside Drive near 123rd Street.{{Sfn|Azzarone|2022|page=190}} The Castle Village apartment complex is on the former section of Riverside Drive (now Henry Hudson Parkway) between 182nd and 186th streets.{{cite news |date=January 29, 1939 |title=Castle Village To Be Finished By September: First Unit of Apartments Above Riverside Drive Will Be Ready July 1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=C5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243116502}}}} South of 72nd Street, there are tall apartment buildings along Riverside Boulevard's eastern sidewalk.

= Monuments =

There are several monuments along Riverside Drive, many of which are in Riverside Park. At 89th Street is the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, which was erected in 1902 and commemorates Union Army soldiers;{{cite web |date=June 26, 1939 |title=Soldiers and Sailors Monument : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1468 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |work=Riverside Park Monuments |postscript=none |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827013603/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1468 |url-status=live }}; {{cite book |last=Susi |first=Michael V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TlBzszCP-_YC&pg=PA117 |title=The Upper West Side |publisher=Arcadia Pub. |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-7385-6316-9 |series=Postcard history series |page=117 |access-date=September 28, 2024 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143206/https://books.google.com/books?id=TlBzszCP-_YC&pg=PA117#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }} it is designated as a city landmark.{{cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=May 20, 2015 |title=Interior of Soldiers and Sailors' Monument Remains a Hidden Jewel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/21/nyregion/interior-of-soldiers-and-sailors-monument-remains-a-hidden-jewel.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=August 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195832/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/21/nyregion/interior-of-soldiers-and-sailors-monument-remains-a-hidden-jewel.html |url-status=live }} In the center of Riverside Drive at 122nd Street is Grant's Tomb, the final resting place of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia.{{sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|p=34}}{{sfn|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|pages=505–506}} Grant's Tomb, a {{Convert|150|ft|4=-tall|adj=mid}} domed structure made of white granite,{{Cite news |last=Onishi |first=Norimitsu |date=April 28, 1997 |title=Ceremony at Grant's Tomb Notes Gadfly's Triumph |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/28/nyregion/ceremony-at-grant-s-tomb-notes-gadfly-s-triumph.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807001433/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/28/nyregion/ceremony-at-grant-s-tomb-notes-gadfly-s-triumph.html |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |access-date=August 6, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} is designated both as a national memorial{{cite web |date=May 2, 1959 |title=Grant's Tomb is Ceded; National Park Service Takes It Over From the City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/05/02/archives/grants-tomb-is-ceded-national-park-service-takes-it-over-from-the.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814193153/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/05/02/archives/grants-tomb-is-ceded-national-park-service-takes-it-over-from-the.html |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} and a city landmark.{{cite web |date=November 26, 1975 |title=Landmark Status Voted For 5 Places in City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/11/26/archives/landmark-status-voted-for-5-places-in-city.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517122702/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/11/26/archives/landmark-status-voted-for-5-places-in-city.html |archive-date=May 17, 2023 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}File:Fire Dpt monument 100 RSD jeh.JPG at 100th Street|alt=Firemen's Memorial at 100th Street]]Numerous small monuments and memorials are clustered around Riverside Drive south of 122nd Street. Among the smaller monuments along its route are the Eleanor Roosevelt Monument at 72nd Street,{{cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1788|work=Riverside Park Monuments|date=June 26, 1939|title=Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial : NYC Parks|access-date=August 27, 2019|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827013605/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1788|url-status=live}} Anna Hyatt Huntington's Joan of Arc at 93rd Street,{{cite web |date=June 26, 1939 |title=Joan of Arc Memorial : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/819 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |website=Riverside Park Monuments |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827020617/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/819 |url-status=live }}{{sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|p=32}} a monument to John Merven Carrère by Thomas Hastings at 99th Street,{{cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/215|title=John Merven Carrere Memorial : NYC Parks|date=June 26, 1939|website=Riverside Park Monuments|access-date=August 27, 2019|archive-date=July 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718014936/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/215|url-status=live}} Attilio Piccirilli's Fireman's Memorial at 100th Street,{{sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|p=32}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/482|title=Firemen's Memorial : NYC Parks|date=June 26, 1939|website=Riverside Park Monuments|access-date=August 27, 2019|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827020619/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/482|url-status=live}} William Ordway Partridge's monument to Samuel J. Tilden at 112th Street,{{sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|p=32}}{{cite web |date=October 5, 1926 |title=Riverside Park Monuments: Samuel J. Tilden |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1548 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=NYC Parks |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143811/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/monuments/1548 |url-status=live }} and the Amiable Child Monument at 122nd Street. A memorial to the novelist Ralph Ellison, by sculptor Elizabeth Catlett, was dedicated in 2003 in front of his longtime home at 730 Riverside Drive (near 150th Street).{{cite web | title=Invisible Man: A Memorial to Ralph Ellison |website=NYC Parks | date=May 5, 2003 | url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riverside-park/highlights/19691 | access-date=May 24, 2025}}{{Cite news|last=Mitter|first=Siddhartha|date=September 19, 2024|title=Elizabeth Catlett: Revolutionary Artist, Radical Inspiration|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/arts/design/elizabeth-catlett-artist-activist-brooklyn-museum-sculpture.html|access-date=May 24, 2025|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

= Other structures =

The Nicholas Roerich Museum is on 107th Street and Riverside Drive,{{Sfn|Azzarone|2022|page=159}} while a 19-story office building, the Interchurch Center, is at 475 Riverside Drive on the southeast corner with 120th Street.{{sfn|Azzarone|2022|p=185}} Across from the Interchurch Center, between 120th and 122nd streets, is Riverside Church, a Gothic Revival church building with elements inspired by the Chartres Cathedral.{{sfn|Azzarone|2022|p=185}}{{sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|p=32}} Just north of Riverside Church is Sakura Park,{{sfn|Grimm|Schroeder|2007|p=32}} while Riverbank State Park is at 679 Riverside Drive near 145th Street.{{Sfn|Azzarone|2022|p=20}} The Trinity Church Cemetery is located on the eastern side of Riverside Drive between 153rd and 155th streets,{{cite book |last=Inskeep |first=Carolee R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tIXZvYmOBGIC&pg=PA193 |title=The Graveyard Shift: A Family Historian's Guide to New York City Cemeteries |publisher=Ancestry |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-916489-89-2 |series=G - Reference,Information and Interdisciplinary Subjects Series |page=193 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143207/https://books.google.com/books?id=tIXZvYmOBGIC&pg=PA193#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }} while the block to the north, between 155th and 156th streets, contains the Audubon Terrace cultural complex.{{cite web |last=Gill |first=John Freeman |date=January 6, 2023 |title=Audubon Terrace Is Extending an Olive Branch to Its Neighborhood |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/06/realestate/washington-heights-audubon-terrace-hispanic-art.html |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=May 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523225702/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/06/realestate/washington-heights-audubon-terrace-hispanic-art.html |url-status=live }}

Near the northern end of Riverside Drive is Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.{{Cite magazine |last=Pearson |first=Clifford A. |date=July 1999 |title=3 New York Psychiatric Institute, New York City: With Public Input and Lots of Glass, This Building Lets the Light Shine on Contemporary Mental Health Care |url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-07.pdf |magazine=Architectural Record |page= |pages=138–139 |id={{ProQuest|222138445}} |access-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007104052/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1999-07.pdf |url-status=live }} The original campus was built in 1925 on a cliff overlooking the avenue,{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oFIhAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA68 |title=Modern Hospital |publisher=McGraw-Hill. |year=1925 |page=68 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |issue=v. 26 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143208/https://books.google.com/books?id=oFIhAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA68#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }} while an annex was built across Riverside Drive to the west in 1999, connected to the original campus by pedestrian bridges. In addition, Fort Washington Park is located just west of the avenue's northernmost portion.

Notable residents

Notable people who have lived on Riverside Drive over the years have included:

Marian Anderson, contralto and one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century; lived at 730 Riverside Drive.{{Cite report|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2545.pdf|title=Beaumont Apartments|date=June 26, 2013|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|access-date=May 24, 2016|quote=The Beaumont housed a number of famous tenants over the years, including U.S. Representative Jacob K. Javits; architect Alfred Fellheimer; legendary African-American contralto Marian Anderson; and African-American writer Ralph W. Ellison, author of Invisible Man (1952), who lived in the building forfour decades until his death in 1994.}}
Hannah Arendt, political theorist; lived at 370 Riverside Drive from 1959 until her death in 1975.{{Cite news|last=Bird|first=David|date=December 6, 1975|title=Hannah Arendt, Political Scientist Dead|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/12/06/archives/hannah-arendt-political-scientist-dead.html|access-date=July 5, 2024|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503160729/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/12/06/archives/hannah-arendt-political-scientist-dead.html|url-status=live}}
Saul Bellow, author; lived at 333 Riverside Drive in the 1950sLiterary New York: a history and guide, Susan Edmiston, Linda D. Cirino, Houghton Mifflin, 1976 p. 268
Major Bowes, radio personality; lived at 90 Riverside Drive{{cite news |date=May 27, 1927 |title=Major Bowes Buys on Riverside Drive |work=The New York Times |page=41 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|104160247}}}}
Rafael Díez de la Cortina y Olaeta, linguist; resident of 431 Riverside DriveDavid Saunders, George Delacourte Jr., [in:] Pulp Artists service 2004, available [http://www.pulpartists.com/Delacorte.html here] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118222425/http://www.pulpartists.com/Delacorte.html |date=November 18, 2016 }}
Ralph Ellison, writer; resident of 730 Riverside Drive
Alfred T. Fellheimer, lead architect for Grand Central Terminal and Cincinnati Union Terminal; lived at 730 Riverside Drive
George Gershwin, composer and pianist; occupied a penthouse at 33 Riverside Drive{{cite web | last=Hogarty | first=Dave | title=George & Ira Gershwin's UWS Penthouse Hits Market for $2.5M | website=Curbed NY | date=December 13, 2011 | url=https://ny.curbed.com/2011/12/13/10416534/george-ira-gershwins-uws-penthouse-hits-market-for-2-5m | access-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817193431/https://ny.curbed.com/2011/12/13/10416534/george-ira-gershwins-uws-penthouse-hits-market-for-2-5m | url-status=live }}
Ira Gershwin, lyricist; occupied a penthouse at 33 Riverside Drive, adjoining his brother's apartment
Katie Halper, comedian and writer{{cite web|url=http://www.chelseanewsny.com/news/local-news/making-politics-laughable-BVNP1420151027151029923|title=Making Politics Laughable|publisher=Chelsea News NY|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=April 25, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203063159/http://www.chelseanewsny.com/news/local-news/making-politics-laughable-BVNP1420151027151029923|url-status=live}}
William Randolph Hearst, newspaper publisher; owned a five-story penthouse at 137 Riverside Drive
John and Faith Hubley lived together and operated their Academy Award-winning independent animation studio from their apartment at 110 Riverside Drive.I-94 Arrival – Departure Record for John K Hubley, passport number 1200289. Issued in Washington, D.C. June 15, 1960. Accessed digitally August 13, 2022
Jacob K. Javits, United States Senator from New York from 1957 to 1981; lived at 730 Riverside Drive
Uwe Johnson, German author{{cite book | last=Baker | first=G.L. | title=Understanding Uwe Johnson | publisher=University of South Carolina Press | issue=v. 199 | year=1999 | isbn=978-1-57003-282-0 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Pre1Q5-mFUC&pg=PA7 | page=7 | access-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-date=October 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143811/https://books.google.com/books?id=9Pre1Q5-mFUC&pg=PA7#v=onepage&q&f=false | url-status=live }}
Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize in economics winner{{cite web | last=Abelson | first=Max | title=Paul Krugman Gets a New Place to Hang His Hat and Nobel | website=Observer | date=August 12, 2009 | url=https://observer.com/2009/08/paul-krugman-gets-a-new-place-to-hang-his-hat-and-nobel/ | access-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817193431/https://observer.com/2009/08/paul-krugman-gets-a-new-place-to-hang-his-hat-and-nobel/ | url-status=live }}
J. Robert Oppenheimer, Frank Oppenheimer and their parents lived at 155 Riverside Drive on 88th Street.Broad, William J., [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/science/30manh.html "Why They Called It the Manhattan Project"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426204715/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/science/30manh.html |date=April 26, 2020 }}, New York Times, October 30, 2007. "Oppenheimer and his parents lived at 155 Riverside Drive, an elegant apartment building at West 88th Street. The superintendent, Joe Gugulski, said the family lived on the 11th floor, overlooking the Hudson River."
Sergei Rachmaninoff owned a townhouse at 33 Riverside Drive, the predecessor to the present apartment block[https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/11/nyregion/rachmaninoff-buried-in-new-york-may-return-to-russia.html "Rachmaninoff, Buried in New York, May Return to Russia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625193956/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/11/nyregion/rachmaninoff-buried-in-new-york-may-return-to-russia.html |date=June 25, 2018 }}, New York Times, April 11, 1992. Accessed June 25, 2018."
Bolesław Wieniawa-Długoszowski, Polish diplomat; lived at 3 Riverside Drive and fell from his death there in 1942{{cite web |date=July 2, 1942 |title=Polish Diplomat Dies in a Plunge; Newly Appointed Envoy to Cuba Falls 6 Stories in Riverside Drive Home |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/07/02/archives/polish-diplomat-dies-in-a-plunge-newly-appointed-envoy-to-cuba.html |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=July 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710023339/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/07/02/archives/polish-diplomat-dies-in-a-plunge-newly-appointed-envoy-to-cuba.html |url-status=live }}
Grantland Rice, American sportswriter
Jim Rogers, investor and financial commentator{{cite web | first=Josh | last=Barbanel | title=Mr. Rogers's Neighborhood | website=The New York Times | date=January 13, 2008 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/realestate/13deal2.html | access-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-date=October 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009143814/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/realestate/13deal2.html | url-status=live }}
Damon Runyon, American newspaper man and author{{cite book |first= Peter |last= Salwen |year = 1989 |title = Upper West Side Story: A History and Guide |location = New York |publisher = Abbeville Books |isbn = 0896598942|page = 217}}
Babe Ruth, baseball player; lived at 173 Riverside Drive, then 110 Riverside Drive{{cite web | first=Kathryn | last=Shattuck | title=F.Y.I. | website=The New York Times | date=April 7, 1996 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/07/nyregion/fyi-057908.html | access-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-date=August 17, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817193430/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/07/nyregion/fyi-057908.html | url-status=live }}
Thomas Sowell, American economist and social theorist, lived on the ground floor of a building on 152nd Street and Riverside Drive in the early 1950sA Personal Odyssey, Thomas Sowell, 2000, chapter 3 ISBN 0-684-86465-7.

Impact

File:Riverside Drive, New York City, Blizzard of 2006.jpg]]In 1900, the New-York Tribune described the Manhattan Valley Viaduct as "another attractive feature [on] the already impressively beautiful east bank of the Hudson River at Riverside Park and Washington Heights". A writer for the New York Herald Tribune described Riverside Drive as being, in its early years, "really an elongated park" lined with mansions and apartments. Paul Goldberger, writing for The New York Times in 1980, said that "by any reasonable standard, Riverside Drive would be considered the best street in New York" because it bordered a river and park for most of its length. A reporter for the same newspaper said in 2018 that Riverside Drive "links a half-dozen historic neighborhoods and a parade of attractive architecture while offering open space across nearly its entire western flank". The fifth edition of the AIA Guide to New York City described Riverside Park and Drive as a "green ribbon of hills and hollows".{{sfn|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|page=363}}

Riverside Drive, and the buildings along it, have been depicted in works of popular media. The 125th Street Viaduct has been seen in the movie The Amazing Spider-Man (2012),{{cite news | url = http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/amazing-spider-man-brings-big-apple-big-screen-broadway-brooklyn-article-1.1106583 | title = 'The Amazing Spider-Man' brings the Big Apple to the big screen: From Broadway to Brooklyn | work = Daily News | location = New York City | date = July 2, 2012 | access-date = July 3, 2012 | first = Nicole Lyn | last = Pesce | archive-date = October 29, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121029050019/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/amazing-spider-man-brings-big-apple-big-screen-broadway-brooklyn-article-1.1106583 | url-status = live }} Print edition: July 3, 2012, pp. 40–41 and scenes from Woody Allen's Manhattan (1979) were filmed at 265 Riverside Drive.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/28/nyregion/28appraisal.html|title=Penthouse Apartments Lose Their Exclusivity|last=Haughney|first=Christine|date=December 27, 2010|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001073054/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/28/nyregion/28appraisal.html|url-status=live}} She'll Drive the Big Car on David Bowie's album Reality (2003) features a woman driving along Riverside Drive.{{cite book |last1=O'Leary |first1=Chris |title=Ashes to Ashes: The Songs of David Bowie, 1976–2016 |date=2019 |publisher=Watkins Media}}

References

= Notes =

= Citations =

= Sources =

{{cite book |last=Azzarone |first=Stephanie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_dl-EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT159 |title=Heaven on the Hudson: Mansions, Monuments, and Marvels of Riverside Park |publisher=Fordham University Press |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-5315-0101-3 }}
{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VEOw_tc51PQC&pg=PA3|title=Riverside Park: The Splendid Sliver|last1=Grimm|first1=E.|last2=Schroeder|first2=E.P.|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2007|isbn=978-0-231-51219-0}}
{{cite report|url=https://issuu.com/nycparksplanning/docs/10.19.17_riverside_park_master_plan|title=Riverside Park Master Plan October 2017|date=November 2, 2017|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|via=Issuu|ref={{Harvid|New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|2017}}}}
{{cite report|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2002.pdf|title=Riverside Park and Riverside Drive|date=February 9, 1980|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1980}}}}
{{Cite New York 1930}}
{{cite report |url=https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2462.pdf |title=West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension |date=June 25, 2013 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |page= |ref={{sfnRef|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2013}}}}
{{cite aia5}}