By Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council & the Forest Hills Times
What is in a name? The
Holland House, situated at 73-37 Austin Street is now 85 years old, and since
1929, has been a grand residence which never abandoned its charm.
Perhaps Forest Hills residents are unaware of its Dutch influence. Around
250 years prior to its completion, the land was granted by a Dutch King to Casper
Joost Springsteen in the mid-17th century, when Queens was a Dutch
Colonial province of the New Netherlands. After remaining in the prominent Springsteen
farming family for seven generations, the 4-acre parcel sold for an excess of
$1,000,000 in December 1928 to President Robert Shelley and Treasurer Alfred J.
Ball of the Shellball Realty Corporation, which erected and managed the Holland
House. In summer 1929, the ten-story site was prized for being the tallest
Queens apartment house in one of the most beautiful suburban American
communities, with average home prices ranging from $25,000 to $350,000.
A notable architect by the name of Benjamin Braunstein designed the
Holland House, and also made his mark on significant developments including
Sutton Hall, The Wakefield, Tilden Arms, and The Chatham in Forest Hills,
Marion Court and Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rego Park, and The Mowbray in
Kew Gardens. Braunstein designed the Holland House to be soundproof and fireproof,
and to offer two to eight rooms with one to three baths, foyers leading to
living rooms, and three penthouses. His plans also included a 50 x 175 foot
rear garden, a roof garden, and a social hall for residents and guests to
entertain. Hallways were furnished in the Old Dutch style.
The Holland House is synonymous with the Forest Hills Gardens’ Old
English style, and is uniquely merged with the streamlined Art Deco influences
of a time when the Chrysler Building was under construction. The façade features
terra-cotta scrollwork depicting gargoyles, birds, and foxes, as well as raised
brick, stonework, ornamental balconies, archways, and recessed areas and large
windows which maximize light and air.
“A quiet dignity pervades the whole building
which is noted for high quality and character of its tenancy and management,”
read an illustrated prospectus for new suitors and tenants. It continued, “Gracious,
uniformed attendants at the entrance doors admit you to a nicely carpeted and
well furnished lobby, next to which are two passenger elevators. The management
provides twenty-four hour door, elevator and valet service. Maids may be had by
the day or hour. To assure the comfort and protection of all, references are
required from prospective tenants.”
Today,
the Holland House is a co-op with a 7-day doorman, and residents can attest to its quality living outlined in the prospectus. “We were drawn to the building because of the pre-war
architecture and our large apartment’s attention to detail,” said Carmela Gersbeck. Board President
Bart Haggerty explained, “Our community is very diverse, ranging from singles to young couples,
to couples raising children, to multiple generations, to retirees. Several
residents reside here for over 40 years. We are half a block to Austin Street’s
shopping and restaurants, while still being on the quiet residential section of
Austin Street.”
“The Holland House has all the trappings of a Park Avenue residence,
along with views of the Manhattan skyline and three bridges, and it’s zoned for
Public School 101 in the Gardens,” said
Historian Bill Safka. He then pointed out some
fellow notables. “Disc Jockey Eddie Arcaro and a model known as Sabrina lived
here. Bing Crosby and Dixie Lee would visit a penthouse resident.”
The building
takes pride in its garden, which was named “Keith's Courtyard” after their
doorman Keith Smith. Safka, who is also Chair of the Beautification Committee
explained, “I planned and planted our garden along with Keith, who was so keen
in seeing it rejuvenated. Way back when,
brides would take their wedding photos in front of our Magnolia trees.”
“We expanded
our garden with a stone patio, a variety of shade loving plants and perennials,
and tables and chairs for the residents' quiet enjoyment,” said Gersbeck.
Residents adopted a Japanese Maple, a Tulip Tree, two Eastern Redbuds, and an
Amur Maackia tree from the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Events, which contributed
diversity among mature Maples and Elms.
Gersbeck
explained some other special characteristics. “We have a very committed board
which sponsors events and makes the Holland House a diverse and active
community.” Some attractions are summer and fall barbecues, a spring cocktail
party, and Halloween and holiday parties. This year, residents can anticipate a
hallway renovation and the possibility of an exercise room.
We take pride in presenting the prospectus which was distributed shortly after the Holland House opened....
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