The Eldorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Eldorado
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Eldorado
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Built | Various |
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| Architect | Emery Roth |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Part of | Central Park West Historic District (ID82001189) |
| Added to NRHP | November 9, 1982 |
The Eldorado is a famous apartment building located at 300 Central Park West in Manhattan, New York City. It is one of four large buildings with twin towers that stand along the western edge of Central Park. This building is known for its unique Art Deco style.
The Eldorado takes up an entire city block between West 90th and West 91st Streets. From its windows, residents can look out over the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. The building is part of the Central Park West Historic District. This means it is a special historical place recognized by the city and the United States government.
Contents
What is the History of The Eldorado Building?
The name "The Eldorado" comes from an older, fancy eight-story apartment building. That building was built in 1902 and stood on the same spot. The new Eldorado was built to be even grander.
How Was The Eldorado Built?
Construction of The Eldorado started in 1929. However, the stock market crash happened around the same time. This caused big money problems for the project. By 1931, the builder, Louis Klosk, lost the building because he could not pay his loans.
Even with these financial issues, the building still opened. A new company, Central Park Plaza Corporation, took over. The Eldorado quickly became a popular place to live for important people.
Who Lived in The Eldorado?
Many famous people have lived in The Eldorado over the years. Early residents included New York Senator Royal S. Copeland. Dr. Stephen S. Wise, a well-known rabbi, also lived there. Barney Pressman, who started the famous clothing store Barneys New York, was another early tenant.
More recently, many actors, musicians, and writers have called The Eldorado home. These include Alec Baldwin, Faye Dunaway, Moby, Garrison Keillor, Tuesday Weld, Bruce Willis, Ron Howard, Bono, Carrie Fisher, and Michael J. Fox. The author Sinclair Lewis chose an apartment in one of the towers. He loved the views of all the city's bridges from his home. The building was also featured in a book. It was the fictional address of Marjorie Morningstar in Herman Wouk's 1955 novel.
What Does The Eldorado Look Like?
The Eldorado building has 30 floors. It is famous for its two towers at the top. Only the southern tower's very top floors are used as living space. This includes a special two-floor penthouse with two outdoor terraces. The other tower top holds a water tank, but the floors below it are also apartments.
Who Designed The Eldorado?
The Eldorado was built between 1929 and 1931. The main design was done by Margon & Holder. The unique metal decorations on top of the towers were designed by Emery Roth. He worked with Margon & Holder on these parts.
The building is a great example of Art Deco style. It has a futuristic look with cool sculptures and geometric shapes. It uses different materials and textures that make it stand out. Experts say its towers, with their abstract geometric spires, look like something from the old "Flash Gordon" comics.
What Are Its Special Features?
Many details on the building are made to look like stone. There are also bronze panels with low-relief designs. The way the building is shaped, with its steps back from the street, is very similar to another building designed by Emery Roth, called The Beresford. That building was finished just before The Eldorado's design began.
Images for kids
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The Eldorado, seen across the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. It is a key part of the famous skyline of Central Park.
See also
In Spanish: The Eldorado para niños
