Prewar Apartments

A prewar apartment refers to buildings constructed before World War II, typically between 1900 and 1939, though some from the 1880s are also included in this category.

While prewar apartment buildings are present in various cities, the term is most frequently used in the context of New York City real estate. Iconic prewar structures have significantly influenced the architectural character of neighborhoods like the Upper West Side and the West Village in Manhattan, but such buildings are also found in the surrounding boroughs.

Characteristics of Prewar Apartments

Prewar apartments, built during a period of urban population growth, vary in size and style. The most opulent prewar apartments were designed as luxurious "mansions in the sky" to attract the wealthy to the city, while more modest versions were intended for middle-class residents or artists. The quintessential prewar apartment, crafted by renowned architects like Emery Roth or Rosario Candela, is known for its character, charm, and solid construction. Highly desirable features of these luxury prewar apartments include:

• Elegant proportions and spacious layouts
• Intricate architectural details
• Fine millwork such as crown moldings, baseboards, and ceiling medallions
• Built-in bookcases and closets
• High, beamed ceilings
• Original solid hardwood floors, often in a herringbone pattern
• Numerous large windows
• Robust construction with elements like solid wood doors and hand-finished plaster walls
• Archways
• Fireplaces
• Brass door handles
• Traditional formal rooms, particularly for dining
• Separate kitchens from living areas
• Decorative tilework in bathrooms, kitchens, and fireplace hearths
• Large foyers
• Grand, spacious lobbies in the building

Solid Facts

Enthusiasts of prewar apartments appreciate the historical character and old-world charm these buildings offer. Unlike more recent constructions, classic prewar apartments have a timeless appeal that tends to increase in value and desirability over time. Prewar buildings are known for their solid construction, with fewer units per floor, and features like plaster walls that provide better noise insulation.

However, maintaining these older buildings can be demanding, often requiring anything from minor renovations to extensive historic restorations by skilled professionals. Residents may face costs related to repairing or updating outdated plumbing and electrical systems, removing layers of lead paint from intricate moldings, or addressing issues from previous poorly executed renovations. Updating these spaces to meet modern standards can also be part of the experience.

Prewar apartment buildings may lack the modern services and amenities found in contemporary constructions, such as climate control systems or in-house gyms. The absence of central air conditioning often results in window-mounted AC units cluttering the façades. Additionally, noisy steam heating systems make it challenging or impossible to regulate winter temperatures effectively. While historic single-pane windows add charm, they are not very energy efficient.