LaGuardia Houses

Who was the driving force behind the LaGuardia Houses? Let’s unravel the story of this iconic Lower East Side landmark. The LaGuardia Houses, named after the dynamic Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, stand as a testament to his vision. He served as New York City’s mayor from 1934 to 1945. He championed the development of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). The LaGuardia Houses were a key part of that vision. In 1953, NYCHA unveiled ambitious plans for a $16.75 million project on the Lower East Side. This project would eventually become the LaGuardia Houses. The goal was to replace over ten acres of slums with modern housing. The development occupies a six-block area bordered by Madison, Cherry, Montgomery, and Rutgers Streets. Nine sixteen-story buildings rise from the site. They only occupy a small portion of the land, leaving ample space for landscaped recreation areas and parking. The LaGuardia Houses offered 1,094 apartments, housing over 2,500 residents. A unique feature of the original LaGuardia Houses was a bath house. This bath house, located near the main playground, boasted a swimming pool and gymnasium. It served the entire neighborhood until the early 1970s. Today, it stands in disrepair, a silent reminder of the past. Construction of LaGuardia Houses began in 1954. Mrs. La Guardia, the mayor’s widow, attended the groundbreaking ceremony. The project reached completion in 1957, marking NYCHA’s 75th undertaking. The complex features ten residential buildings. One building is specifically designed for senior citizens. The complex is divided into two superblocks by Clinton Street. Four buildings occupy the eastern block, and five buildings, plus the senior building, stand in the western block. The architecture follows the “Tower-in-the-Park” design. This design features high-rise buildings set amidst green spaces. The buildings are clad in brick and arranged in an X-shape. The buildings in the eastern block rise twenty stories. The buildings in the western block reach sixteen stories. The abandoned bath house, known as the Whitehouse, still stands on Madison Street. Extensive landscaping surrounds the LaGuardia Houses. This “Tower-in-the-Park” design provides green areas around each building and multiple play areas. The largest playground, The Little Flower Playground, occupies a significant portion of the western block. It features swing sets, climbing structures, picnic areas, sports courts, spray showers, and a striking flower mosaic. The streets are lined with trees, completing the park-like atmosphere. The LaGuardia Houses symbolize a significant step in providing affordable housing. They remain a vital part of the Lower East Side community.