NYC Building Types
Brownstones and Townhouses Four to Five story high buildings that were built in the late 1800’s throughout the early 1900’s as single-family houses. Their architectural styles usually reflect early Dutch, French, and German influences. Many brownstones and townhouses were converted to multi-unit buildings (with 7-10 units) around World War II, but in recent years many have been restored and converted back to dingle family homes. Generally, apartments in these types of buildings can have high ceilings, fireplaces, gardens and hardwood floors. Prices range from mid-priced to expensive, depending on location, size and renovations. Virtually none have a doorman.
Elevator Buildings This term refers to a building, which has elevator service but no doorman. Usually these buildings have some type of intercom security system.
Lofts Originally commercial buildings converted for residential use. Characterized by wide, open, airy space, most lofts have very high ceilings, huge windows and a unique design. Lofts rarely have a doorman. Many have private locked elevators and are located in downtown areas such as SOHO , Chelsea , Greenwich Village , Flatiron and Tribes. Lofts command very high prices.
Luxury High Rise This term refers to buildings over twenty stories that have been built inn the 1980’s or later. They typically have a doorman and many feature concierge services. You may also find many with health clubs and swimming pools.
Post-War Buildings Typically constructed between the late 1940’s through the 1970’s, these buildings are usually ten to thirty stories tall and constructed of white, red or brown brick. Most will have doorman. Post-War buildings actually have larger layouts when compared to Pre-War or Luxury High Rise Style buildings.
Pre-War Known for their character, Pre-War buildings were built prior to World War II. You can recognize them by their unique architecture and lovely, often ornate exterior and interior details.
The apartments typically have higher, beamed ceilings with some featuring fireplaces and other decorative touches. Laundry facilities can usually be found in the basement. Doormen are common, but a good number will only have an intercom and buzzer system. Most Pre-War buildings are co-ops. Pre-War buildings are in great demand and command premium prices.
Walk-Up Buildings This term refers to any building that does not have elevator service. It can apply to a brownstone, townhouse, or a Post-War 3-5 story building. These apartments can also be situated on the avenues or on side streets.
Common Terms
Building Amenities Extra features offered by a building. Amenities could be a gym, concierge services, high-speed Internet access, a business center, etc.
Alcove Studio A studio apartment with a separate alcove that can be used as a sleeping area. Many people put up a screen or other partition to give them more privacy.
Convertible/Flex One, Two, Three or Four Bedroom An apartment that is convertible or flexible in terms of the number of bedrooms. For example, a convertible two bedroom is a one-bedroom apartment with enough space (usually in the living room) to wall off an area for the second bedroom. A convertible three bedroom is a two bedroom where a third bedroom is carved out f the living space, and so on and so forth. The terms ‘convertible’ and ‘Flex’ can be used interchangeably.
Junior Four A one bedroom apartment with a separate alcove area. The junior refers to the fact that the alcove qualifies as a junior fourth room. (The other three rooms are the bedroom, living room and kitchen.) This separate alcove can be used as a dining area, or, if the building allows, as a walled off sleeping area.
Loft Areas Apartments with high ceilings will sometimes have a ‘loft area’ built into them. A loft is a platform constructed over the living space for the purpose of extra storage, a sleeping are, a home office, etc. Generally you can access the area with a staircase or ladder. Loft areas are very useful because they make use of otherwise wasted vertical space.
Open Kitchen A kitchen that is not separated from the living space of an apartment. Open kitchens are a common feature of loft apartments.
Pass-Thru Kitchen A kitchen with an opening to the living or dining space of the apartment.
