New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-03
THE STORY OF A MODEL HOUSE.
WHERE APARTMENT ARCHITECTURE
HAS REACHED THE ACME OF PER-
Feet CONSTRUCTION
Feet CONSTRUCTED,


The great improvements that have been made
IN the last year two in the construction of
high class apartment houses form one OF the
most interesting developments or modern archi-
lecture II is only within recent times thai
architects have made a special study OF this
oranch OF their profession. and. unless some IN
looked for innovations are forthcoming in the
skyscraper type OF building. it would seem that
no further improvements could be discovered
than have been adopted in several Of the most
recently completed buildings on the West Side
Among these the MeIrose. at the northwest cor
ner Of Central Park West and ne-hundred-and-
eighth-st-, is perhaps the most noteworthy ex-
ample This apartment building has received
the commendatiOn Of our foremost architects
and a number OF it's attractive features have
been the subject OF discussion in architectural
journals. ExterfOrly the MelrOse is one OF the
most ornate buildings on Central Park West
while the arrangement OF the various apart
Inents and the numerous cOnveniences that have
been introduced are conceded 70 reach a point
Of perfection not surpassed by any OF the new
buildings on the West Side The Merose con-
S1stS practically OF two separate buildings. with
entrances on Central Park West and One-hun-
ored-and-efghth-st- respectively In the corner
house there are three apartment suites on each
noor. containing seven and eight rooms, besides
the bath, while the house facing the Park has
two apartments Of seven rooms and bath on
each floor All the rooms are large and de-
vised that each window has direct exposure 10
light and air. insurtng perfect ventilation 10
every part OF the apartment
very important natter and one that Is so
much neglected by architects. - the closet room
IN an apartment In the case OF the Meirose
this has been made one OF the paramount feat
ures. yet space for closets has been 50 devised
as not 70 spoil the appearance OF sacrifice the
floor space Of the rooms Indeed so much
stress has been laid by the architect on closet
space that he has succeeded in providing the
same 20 an amount almost equalling that Of a
frst-class private house. Another attractive
feature is a ladies' dressing room. with beveIed
pier mirrors set in the panels OF the doors and
numerous drawers and little closets This dress
ing room is located between the bedrooms Of
each apartment
In fact, so many innovations have been intro
duced in the general scheme OF 'cOnveniences"
mat II is impossible TO give more than pass
ing mention 20 them. The buffers pantries con-
tain new kind OF patent refrigerator. which Is
cooled by a cold storage system from the base
uent. thus doing away with the use OF ice
Sanitary garbage closets are set IN the kitchen
walls, ventilated from the outside and closed
with air tight doors The bathrooms have tiled
floors and walls. and furnished with large
porcelain lined tubs. nickel fittings and open
plumbing A long-distance telephone IS placed
in each apartment United States letter
chute, plate glass windows, open hreplaces with
and electric light fixtures. a general laundry
with patent steam dryers in the basement be-
sides roof drying facilities. separate servants
toilets hot and cold water. storage and bicycle
room, etc, are among the numerous features
designed 10 add 10 the comfort and convenience
Of the occupants OF the MelrOse-
The decorations and woodwork are OF the
handsoInest character. The parlOrs and libraries
are trimmed in rich antique mahogany, while
the dining finished in forest green
oak All the bedrooms, dressing rooms and
bathrooms done IN white enamel, and oy
way OF providing for a common feminine weak
long French plate mirrors have been fitted
IN the panels OF several bedroom DOORS
The wall decorations and general color scheme
vary in the different apartments but everything
is harmonious and in accordance with refined
taste. The dining rooms are treated in a unique
manner. The walls are wainscOted IN paneled
green oak and finished az the top with a plaque
shelf
The steam radiators IN all the rooms ara
recessed under the windows. thus adding ma
tertalIy TO the wall space of the rooms
The management OF the MelrOse prides itself
on the character Of its service and the general
maintenance Of the house Servants in fash
ionable livery attend the hall and elevator day
and night.
Unlike the majority Of apartment houses. the
MeIrose is not conducted for speculative pur-
poses but is owned by a gentleman who wishes
10 make OF IL a home for refined and exclusive
families Rents for the apartments are exceed
tngIy reasonable.