prewar and postwar residential building construction process nyc

Nothing cookie cutter about Arapahoe Acres, and yet, like post-war houses, the builders set out - and achieved - to create low-cost and functional homes. In some way, the homes weren't your typical post-war houses - much of the building materials were concrete, glass and aluminum, and they had a unique, futuristic look.

Arapahoe Acres. This Colorado neighborhood of 124 was constructed between 19 by legendary building developer Edward Hawkins.

Amenities. In New York City real estate, post-war buildings offer residents amenities for a community fee, such as doorman service, elevator or laundry facilities.

While houses before World War II might come without a garage, that wasn't the case for the post-war home.

Garages. It seems crazy to imagine that there wasn't a time when attached garages and carports existed, but by the post-war years, the car was a firmly established member of the family.

Pitched roof. The Cape Cod version of the post-war home often had a pitched roof, which meant there was space for an upstairs attic space.

Kitchen facing the backyard. The kitchen typically has a window allowing for a view of the backyard, and usually a back door.

Picture windows. A picture window at the front of the home provides a view of the front street.

Small living space. Of course, there are exceptions, but frequently, these are homes with four to six rooms and less than 1,000 square feet of living space.But a post-war house is probably in a large neighborhood with a modest-sized, half-acre or less backyard. One of many similar-sized houses in the neighborhood. It may look different - some neighborhoods have the cookie cutter feeling, and many don't.

Prewar and postwar residential building construction process nyc