The Monterisi residence has more of a West Coast vibe than many of the other homes in the immediate area. The building consists of a two story wing with a garage below and a recessed entrance on the left side of the house. The predominant elements are wood and stone and the house is surrounded by mature plantings which were the work of Alfred Gusman of Little Neck.
Stickle and Associates were a prominent Cleveland-based firm responsible for Catholic schools across the country. Mater Christi might be one of their best locally, sited in a quiet area of Astoria, and featuring two massive wings to hold separate high schools for boys and girls. The top floor originally held faculty housing for the Sisters of Mercy and De La Salle Christian Brothers. Brick, limestone and black granite compose the architectural details with black and gold mosaic panels around the entrance. Not mentioned in the awards summary but equally interesting are the decorative crests that line the ends of each wing closest to street level. The school merged with St. John’s Preparatory School in 1980 and continues as a private school today.
The Woodside Savings and Loan is now an Astoria Federal Savings and the clock adorning the white enameled brick end pier is different but otherwise this building is largely the same. The front facade consists of a large two story wall of glass with white enamel brick and porcelain panel accents. The planting area originally to the right of the entrance seems to be gone; parking is in the rear.
Designed by major architectural firm Fellheimer & Wagner toward the end of its existence, this mid-century school has some unusual and engaging elements including a rounded, U-shaped central classroom space and bold blue terra cotta panels decorating the entrance areas. According to the Chamber of Commerce description, the building rambles over a sloping 8 1/2 acre site and is built of reinforced concrete and steel, partially to accommodate the weight of industrial equipment typical in a vocational school. The other major exterior elements are brick, steel windows and aluminum detailing around the entrance. The lower-rise portions of the building also feature angled roofs which give the entire structure an element of energy.
Dr. Kestler’s residence is one of several mixed use sites featured on Queens Modern and still serving as both a medical office and residence today. The building is built into a sloping corner hillside so that the medical office is approachable at grade from the main thoroughfare of Crocheron Avenue while the residential entrance is on the second level, hidden from street view and accessible from the side street. Building materials include brick, stone and wood shingles. The overall feeling is one of horizontality and melding well within the landscape.