Duke Ellington's Wash Heights Home Considered For Landmark Status

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — A Washington Heights building with ties to legendary jazz musicians is currently being considered for landmark status.

The uptown building at 935 St. Nicholas Ave., on the corner of West 157th Street, was the longtime home of Edward Kennedy Ellington, who is better known as Duke Ellington, as well as Noble Lee Sissle — two pioneers of jazz music.

"935 St. Nicholas Avenue is architecturally and culturally significant as a reflection of Upper Manhattan's history in the 20th century," the Landmarks Preservation Commission write. "It retains a high degree of integrity to its period of construction, and to the mid-century period when the building was home to jazz leaders Duke Ellington and Noble Sissle for more than 20 years each."

Ellington lived in the building from 1939 to 1961, while Sissle resided in the building from 1950 to 1972.

Ellington, one of America's most famous, innovative and influential jazz musicians, lived with his family in the Washington Heights building, where he wrote hit songs such as "Sophisticated Lady," "Satin Doll," and Don't Get Around Much Anymore."

Sissle, on the other hand, was the creator of the "first successful Broadway musical with an all-Black cast," and would go on to form his own orchestra. He was also dubbed the unofficial "Mayor of Harlem" during his time at Wet 157th Street.

The Gothic Revival style brick and limestone building itself was designed by Gronenberg & Leuchtag in 1915.

On Tuesday, the Commission voted to calendar the building for landmark consideration, meaning that the address is taking the next step to becoming a landmark.