Smyrna times., 1876-11-15
Apartment Houses.


by the New York Herald. 1t says: There is,
perhaps, no species of real property in this
city which pays greater return on the
amount of capital invested than the better
class of apartment houses; none, certainly,
which rents so readily, even in the most
depressed times. 1t took at first some con-
siderable effort to overcome the prejudice
against the apartment system, which existed |
among our wealthier classes, who only too |
frequently confounded it with the ten e
ment house system. This idea however
was soon exploded by the building of ex.
pensive and elaborate apartment houses
destined solely for the wealthy. Since the
altering of the Haight House, the pioneer
apartment house on Fifth avenue, numer-
GUS similar establishments have made their
appearance on the avenue, both above and
below Fourteenth street. Of these the
most notable are the Grosvenor, the Berke-
ley, the one over the jewelry store on the
corner of Twenty-eight street, the Osborn,
and finally Sherwood's, higher up the
avenue. There is still another apartment
house now in course of construction on the
northwest corner of Forty-second street
and Fifth avenue, which, if report be true,
promises to eclipse all its rivals in elegance
and comfort. twill be finished by May next
The greater portion Of these costly build
ings are rather hotels than apartment
houses, though universally designated by
| lo4
of the apartment house, strictly considered,
consists in suits of apartments provided
with separate kitchens, laundries and all
mordern cOnveniences necessary for house
keeping. The Fifth avenue houses are fol
the most part not organized on this plan
There is one large kitchen, one or a series
, of common dinning rooms, while those
who desire il can have their meals served il
: their own apartments. All this is eX
pensive and can only be afforded by per
sons in certain conditions Of fortune. TIL,
system is particularly attractive to young
married couples, and recommends itsel
generally to that numerous and rapidly in
: creasing class in this city desirous Of avoid
y ing the cares of housekeeping Meanwhil
the real apartment house has taken firm
. root in our amidst and hourishes vigorousl
in different parts of the town. The NOR
successful and better sort are found chief
y on great throughfares and hundred foe
: streets. Broadway, between Fiftieth an
: Fifty.seventh streets, might be called a
apartment house quarter. We find her
. the Albany, the Newport, Saratoga and tn
Rockingham, all of recent date and aC
mirably adapted to the purposes for whic
they were intended. The Rockingham, o
the corner of Fifty-sixth streets, the la
:. expression of this class of apartment hous
= and consequently of considerable intere
to those who study this question, occupi
: about six lots of land, valued at $4,000
=. = while the building is said to have co
100000. 1t offers suites of apartment
:. consisting of nine rooms each at pric
:, ranging from 500 to $l44 per month,
from 81 ,O50 to 81 ,740 per annum. Viii
the accommodation offered is certainly a
= mirable it is only within the reach of tho
: having from $4,000 to $500 income p
:. annum. Certainly no one in the enjo
- msnt of less than $4,000 would be justif,
- in leasing. furnishing and occupying the
- apartments, if proper ratio between livi
~ expenses and rent is duly maintaine
80 These apartments do nota appeal to that We
~ large class of small traders, clerks and ei
~ ployes in the enjoyment of incomes
- salaries of from $500 to $4,000. There
- great and pressing want of suitable apa
-, ment houses, finished with all the con-
"a niences and comforts of the Albany, t
20 Newport and the Rockingham, but adapt
- to the purses of the numerous class
have spoken of. Those who first cater
=. this want will open a gold mine which c
- be worked with profit in this city for ma
ng years to come.
his GIRLS VINO SOLD THEIR HAIR TO GET Ho,
q Two bellies of this city lately came hoi
nd from Philadelphia shorn-of their wealth
ga raven tresses. After they had taken in
nd the points at the big show and had ma