The New York City Housing Authority was founded in 1934. Today it owns approximately 178,895 apartments. Before NYCHA, low and middle-income housing was constructed and operated by private entities, including philanthropists and worker's unions. This collection highlights some of the unique affordable housing projects built prior to NYCHA.

Often overlooked, doors are perhaps the most important feature of a building. They are the means by which we escape the often crowded and chaotic streets of the city. Every building has one (well, maybe except for the Raymond Street Jail which was accidentally constructed in 1836 sans front door), but some outfit this largely utilitarian feature with more panache than others. This collection highlights some the city's loveliest historic doorways, from the simple but classic columns of early 19th century Federal rowhouses to the gloriously geometric brickwork of Art Deco apartment houses, and everything in-between.

Subway construction in the early 20th century benefitted the rising white middle class as they moved from congested tenement districts to new private houses or apartment buildings in upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. This story is adapted from an exhibition at the Skyscraper Museum. The original version can be seen here.

Amalgamated Housing Corporation, 98 Van Cortlandt Park South, ca. 1929. In the 1920s a new law was passed that allowed for various tax and financing benefits to developers willing to build affordable housing. The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (founded in 1914) saw this legislation as an opportunity to create cooperative housing for their members. Their first effort was the Amalgamated Houses. The eventual eleven buildings of the complex were begun in 1927. The design and layout of the structures were specifically aiming to correct the health and quality of life problems that plagued the older tenement buildings. The design of Springsteen and Goldhammer created apartments with proper light and airflow and provided a large interior courtyard that all apartments looked out on. Along with the residential spaces, the complex also provided a rich community environment with newsletters, educational activities, a library, and a supermarket.