This is the last (for now) entry in a series inspired by The New York Public Library's Digital Collection's The World's Loose Leaf Album of Apartment Houses. Printed in 1910, this album was a reference guide used by developers and real estate agents to promote apartment buildings to future tenants.
What happens when you combine the styles of Beaux Arts and the Second French Empire? You get the glorious sugary confection that is the Dorilton. At the time it was built, some New Yorkers thought the Dorilton was, well, a bit too much. Even the World's Loose Leaf Album of Apartment Houses called it "imposing". Author of Luxury Apartment Houses in Manhattan, Andrew Alpern goes a bit further, stating that the consensus was the Dorilton was outlandish and so it was scorned by tradition-minded apartment seekers at the beginning of the 20th century.
Yes, the Dorilton's appearance was shocking for 1902 apartment dwellers. Architectural critics at the time seemed to delight in writing disparaging remarks. One example from The Architectural Record Magazine is this delightful quote, “an edifice which cannot be regarded with apathy, a sight of which strong men swear, and weak women shrink affrighted".** Strong words indeed.
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Why such vitriol towards a building? Well, since the late 1880s, upscale apartment buildings had become more elaborate inside and out. Structures became a mix of styles with intricate and detailed designs. The interiors oozed in luxury with expensive building materials such as marble, rare woods, exquisite craftmanship, et al. Not to mention the added conveniences for residents including full-service staff and modern amenities. Some critics thought these apartments were over the top and gauche.
Enter Hamilton Weed, an enterprising real estate developer, who was ready to jump into the game of the upmarket real estate in 1900. Thus, he hired the architectural firm of Janes and Leo to build the decorous twelve-storied structure, Dorilton. It had a three-story copper and slate mansard roof that was complimented by limestone and brick. An impressive cast iron gate leads to a stately courtyard. Caryatids, decorative balustrades, and other romantic sculptures completed the exterior.* The interiors were equally impressive The Dorilton had its own heating, lighting, refrigeration, and power plants in the court. Two elevators had special devices to give an easy start and stop. It also was equipped with long-distance telephones and free electric light.**
The original layout of Apartments in Dorilton and the layout of an apartment from 2021
The original plans of the Dorilton had apartments with 5 rooms (called an Edwardian Five) and apartments with 7 or 8 rooms (also called Classic 7 or 8). The Edwardian Five were popular during the first two decades of the 20th Century. These apartments consisted of one bedroom, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and a maid's room. It was originally designed for bachelors or widows. The thought was that single people would not need a guest bedroom. The Classic 7 and 8 were designed specifically for families with the added bedrooms.
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Despite all the early criticism, the Dorilton has thrived. Its magnificent structure was designated as a New York City Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the toniest addresses on the Upper West Side. Check out August's Classic 8 Apartment of the Month to see an apartment in this amazing building.
Want to know more? Here is a good place to start:
New York Public Library Digital Collection
Luxury Apartment Houses of Manhattan by Andrew Alpern
Sources:
jPhotographs:
Top photograph New York Public Library Digital Collection
Photographs of apartment plans (1) via New York Public Library Digital Collection and (2) apartment layout photograph via Douglas Elliman Real Estate
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