General Info

One of the defining features of Great Neck Plaza's architecture are the numerous apartments, dating from the early 1900s to the 1980s. Their history reflects the Village's development from an upscale community patronized by entertainment celebrities to a destination for young couples and veterans who needed affordable housing. The Village was one of the earliest places on Long Island where architect designed hotel style residences and garden apartmentsappeared, beginning a trend in other suburban communities throughout the nation. Their styles are as varied as those found in residential and commercial structures, including Art Deco, Colonial Revival, vernacular and modern buildings. Today many of the Village's apartments are condos or cooperatives, commanding substantial prices for those desiring convenience to downtown businesses and transportation. Many of these buildings are well preserved, due to the pride residents take in their homes. Yet their history tells a very complex story, beginning with the first occupants and owners of these handsome structures. In the 1920s Great Neck was a bustling destination for the wealthy, the theatrical crowd, and sailors from the Merchant Marine Academy in nearby Kings Point. The Kensington School enrolled children of different ethnic backgrounds, reflecting Great Neck's new cultural diversity. Testifying to its new found status, the Colony House Hotel, formerly on Grace Avenue and Bond Street, boasted 6-stories, a full-service restaurant and accommodations for several hundred people. It was popular among actors and theatre goers, along with local wheeler-dealers and speculators. With the growth of downtown many developers started building elaborate apartment buildings designed for upper-class city dwellers. The residents included former estate owners, doctors and other professionals, along with wealthy businessmen. The first of these apartments was the Kenwood Apartments soon joined by the Wychwood, at 8 Barstow Road. The Wychwood was developed by businessman Walter W. Davis who envisioned a grand residence reminiscent of French and English Renaissance architecture. Designed by Schwartz and Gross of Manhattan, it would rise to an impressive 8 stories including luxury penthouse apartments with formal fireplaces and mantel pieces, hardwood floors, enclosed sun porches and landscaped gardens designed by Mann & MacNeille. Shortly after the Wychwood was completed construction was finished on Westminster Hall at 4 Maple Avenue. The building was similar to the Wychwood, drawing upon English architecture and design for its expansive apartments. The 6-story building included Tudor-style exposed beams, brick and fieldstone ground floors, decorative half-timbering and stucco above. According to New York Times advertisements the Westminster included automatic elevators with attendants, a completely equipped gymnasium with showers, a fine roof garden, General Electric refrigerators, maid service, servant's quarters, and sound-proof walls . Benefits touted included convenience to shopping and recreation and polite and efficient service.During WWII the Westminster served as a mini-hospital for war emergencies. Other luxury buildings included 1 Hillside Avenue which had expansive lobbies, paneled walls and decorative interior woodwork. It also has English Tudor style details including a courtyard and patio accessible only to residents. The apartments were home to both frequent visitors and year round residents, who travelled either by automobile on the new Vanderbilt Motor Parkway or by train, conveniently located a short walk away. They were marketed towards upper class professionals and other wealthy individuals, who frequented the popular clubs and playhouses in the Village, or the parties at the nearby Gold Coast estates. With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s no more grand apartments were constructed. Instead the village became home to Long Island's