United Workers Cooperatives facts for kids
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United Workers Cooperatives
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 Location in New York City
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| Location | 2700-2870 Bronx Park East, Bronx, NY 10467 |
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| Area | 5.4 acres (2.2 ha) |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Springsteen & Goldhammer; Jessor, Herman J. |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002518 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 11, 1986 |
| Designated NHL | July 17, 1991 |
The United Workers Cooperatives, also called Allerton Coops, is a group of old apartment buildings. You can find them at 2700–2870 Bronx Park East in Allerton, Bronx, New York City. These buildings are special because of their history.
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What Are the Allerton Coops?
The complex has three main buildings and five other structures. They were built in a style called Tudor Revival. This means they look like old English homes. They have features like half-timbered gables and sloping slate roofs. You can also see cool towers and chimneys. The buildings were constructed in two stages. The first was from 1926 to 1927. The second was from 1927 to 1929. The United Workers' Association built them.
A Special Kind of Home
The United Workers' Association was a group that helped working people. Many members worked in the clothing industry. They wanted to create better homes for their families. Before this, many lived in crowded, poor apartments called tenements. These were often in areas like the Lower East Side. The Association bought land in the Bronx. It was a less developed area near Bronx Park. They dreamed of a community where everyone had a say. It didn't matter how big their apartment was. Everyone had an equal voice.
More Than Just Apartments
The United Workers Cooperatives offered many things. They had classrooms and a library. These were not common in other apartment buildings. This made the complex a true community. People could learn and grow together. It was a place for social and political activities. This cooperative was a big success in building a strong community.
Challenges and Changes
Even though it was a social success, the complex faced money problems. This happened during the Great Depression. Many people lost their jobs and money. So, in 1943, the cooperative changed. It became regular rental housing. Over the years, different owners didn't take good care of the buildings. But in the mid-1980s, a new owner bought them. They fixed up the complex.
A Recognized Landmark
The United Workers Cooperatives are very important historically. In 1986, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places important to American history. Then, in 1991, they became a National Historic Landmark. This is an even higher honor. In 1992, the City of New York also named them a landmark. This means they are protected and valued for their history.
