“Poorhouse for old rich folk.” Ever heard that phrase before? That’s just one quirky way to describe the Andrew Freedman Home. It stands here as a testament to a unique vision. It offered a haven for those who once knew luxury but faced financial ruin.
Andrew Freedman, a self-made millionaire, was born in Manhattan in 1860. He made his fortune in real estate, Shubert theaters, and as a bondsman. He was deeply connected to Tammany Hall. Freedman had a giving spirit.
Before his death in 1915, Freedman outlined his philanthropic idea. He wanted to create a home for people of refined tastes. They would be people who appreciated fine wines and theater. But they had experienced a reversal of fortune. He wanted to save them from the indignity of poverty.
The Andrew Freedman Home opened its doors in 1924. It offered luxurious amenities. These included overstuffed sofas, a billiard room, and a library. The wait staff were recruited from Cunard liners. The staff of fifty provided exceptional care. Members paid nothing to live here.
Membership was open to all. It did not matter about race, faith, or gender. Married couples could reside together. Potential members had to be at least sixty. They could not be older than eighty.
The Andrew Freedman Home was home to doctors, lawyers, and artists. There were also actors and even a former Russian czarist general. Residents enjoyed parties, dances, and movie screenings.
Even in this splendor, some residents still faced personal struggles. By the mid-1980s, the Andrew Freedman Foundation’s money ran out. The home closed. In 1983, the Mid Bronx Senior Citizens Council purchased it.
The building’s architecture is striking. It stands out from the Art Deco style of the Grand Concourse. Its design is simple and rectangular. The Andrew Freedman Home has features of Italian Renaissance design. Windows alternate between triangular and arching pediments.
The front facade bears the inscription “The Andrew Freedman Home.” The back facade features triple arches. In 1984, the Andrew Freedman Home became a landmark. It stands as a reminder of Andrew Freedman’s compassion. It is a symbol of a bygone era.