The New York Apartment Houses of Rosario Candela and James Carpenter

This architectural history examines the work of Rosario Candela and James Carpenter, two architects who defined luxury apartment living in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. The book showcases their most significant buildings through photographs, floor plans, and architectural drawings. Through detailed case studies of individual buildings, Alpern documents how these architects created the residential layouts and exterior designs that became synonymous with elite Manhattan living. The text analyzes specific architectural elements, construction methods, and design choices that distinguished their work. The book includes several essays exploring the social and cultural context of these buildings, from the economic boom of the 1920s through the Depression era. The documentation includes details about original construction costs, apartment configurations, and early residents. The volume stands as both a historical record and an exploration of how architectural innovation shaped urban living patterns among New York's upper class. Its examination of these buildings reveals broader themes about wealth, social status, and the evolution of urban domestic spaces in early 20th century America.

Readers appreciate the architectural photographs, floor plans, and historical documentation of these iconic pre-war Manhattan buildings. Several reviewers noted that the book provides detailed context about the architects' design philosophies and their impact on luxury apartment development in New York City. Likes: - Clear layout drawings and architectural details - Historical information about each building's development - Period photographs showing original conditions - Biographical information about Candela and Carpenter Dislikes: - Limited coverage of building interiors - Some floor plan reproductions are too small to read - High price point for a relatively slim volume - Focus mainly on Upper East Side properties Ratings: Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (5 reviews) "An excellent resource for anyone interested in prewar apartment architecture" - Amazon reviewer "Could use more interior photographs but the historical documentation is thorough" - Goodreads reviewer

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🏛️ Rosario Candela worked as a teenage elevator operator in Manhattan before becoming one of its most influential architects 🗽 Many of the buildings featured in the book still command some of New York's highest real estate prices, with apartments regularly selling for over $50 million 📐 The book includes detailed floor plans showing innovative features like separate service entrances and strategically placed oval rooms that became hallmarks of luxury design 🏢 James Carpenter and Rosario Candela were competitors who never collaborated, yet their similar design philosophies helped establish what became known as "the classic six" apartment layout 📚 Author Andrew Alpern is not just a writer but also a practicing architect and attorney who has authored several definitive books on New York City's architectural history