BUILDING TERMINOLOGY

BROWNSTONE
One to six floors. No doorman. Built in the early 1900s as single family homes and many were converted during World War II to create multiple apartments (3-10 units per building.) Brownstones have "charm." Square footage is generally less than a similar room count would provide in a doorman building.

ELEVATOR BUILDING
Located mostly in the mid blocks. Six to twenty stories: many are found on side streets and are nine stories tall and have a laundry. Some pre-wars have an elevator attendant.

LOFT
Four to eleven or twelve story buildings. Former commercial buildings converted to apartments. Large open space. Usually elevator but no doorman service. Most are found in lower Manhattan in Soho, Tribeca or Chelsea. Most lofts are coo-ops. Some have restrictions regarding tenancy such as status as a certified artist.

LUXURY DOORMAN
Twenty to forty or more floors. Full or part-time doorman. The more luxurious buildings also have a concierge that provides services such as receiving laundry and packages. Some of these buildings have a health club and/or swimming pool.

PREWAR BUILDING
Ten to thirty floors. Doorman or non-doorman. Built in the late 1800s to 1940s. Exterior and interior architectural detailing. Common features include high-ceilings, hardwood floors, arched doorways or fireplaces. Most are co-ops.

POSTWAR BUILDING
Built from 1946 through today. Exteriors are usually white, red or brown brick. Most are cheaper than prewar. Laundry facilities are usually in the basement.

WALK UP BUILDING
Up to five floors. No elevator or doorman. Originally built as multi-family housing. There are usually more apartments in this type of housing than in a brownstone. This is one of the cheapest apartment options. Originally built as tenements.