During the early 19th century, apartment developments in New York City were generally associated with the working-class residents of the Lower East Side and other areas of Manhattan. When the construction of a luxury apartment building on the Upper West Side in 1879 was announced, many people considered that it would attract no investors or potential buyers. Further skepticism was raised when it became known that the building would be located in the part of the city that, at the time, was still dotted with empty lots and vegetable gardens and lacked any status, attractions, or conveniences enjoyed by the residents of 5th Avenue on the East Side of Central Park.
Jokingly, someone said that the building will be located so far away that anyone who was foolish enough to acquire an apartment there might as well move to Dakota. The name stuck, and it was not until the 20th century that the rapid expansion of the city and the change in living standards turned the building into one of the most sought-after addresses in New York City.
The digital archiving and restoration of this photograph was commissioned by one of the exclusive New York City social clubs dedicated to the preservation of New York history and heritage.
The photograph was meticulously cleaned to remove any dust and grime that had formed on the surface over time, before a high-resolution scan was created. Following the client’s request, a copy of the photograph, as it would have appeared without any fading, damage, or loss of color, was produced in addition to an unaltered image.