The Ansonia

The Ansonia is one of the most famous buildings on the Upper West side and one of the most European inspired in the city.  Built by William Earle Dodge Stokes between 1899 and 1904, the Ansonia was the first air-conditioned (residential) hotel in the city.

Stokes had a vision for the hotel that resonates with the green movement of today.  He wanted the Ansonia to be as self-sufficient as possible, and so he put a farm on the roof, which "included about 500 chickens, many ducks, about six goats and a small bear."  Fresh eggs were delivered daily to every apartment and there was even a cattle elevator, which allowed dairy cows to be kept on the roof.  Unfortunately, this farm was shut down in 1907 by the Department of Health.

The Ansonia has housed many famous people, including Babe Ruth, and was a favored place of musicians and artists.  A hotel room in the building was even the meeting place where the famous Chicago "Black" Sox players decided to throw the 1919 World Series.  The building has held many famous restaurants, clubs, and even a gay bathhouse.

If you want to read more about the Ansonia, here is a great New York Times Article about it.