Picture this a grand hotel built for poor men. This is Mills House No 1. It stands proudly on Bleecker Street. It was the brainchild of Darius Ogden Mills a wealthy banker. He wanted to provide affordable housing for working men. He believed in helping them help themselves.
In 1897 Mills House No 1 opened its doors. It boasted 1554 tiny rooms. Each was a mere 7 1/2 by 6 feet. Rent was a mere 20 cents a night. Meals cost just 15 cents. The rooms were basic a bed a chair and a clothes rack. There were shared bathrooms. The building was a marvel of efficient design. Two massive air shafts brought light and air into the rooms. This was a feat of engineering at the time. It was far better than most tenements.
But Mills House No 1 was more than just a place to sleep. It had a library. It provided lounges for the residents. It was a place where men could find community and support. It was a haven away from the harsh realities of poverty. It was closed during the day. This was to encourage residents to find work. No one was allowed in after midnight. The rules were strict. Drunkenness was not tolerated. The building’s design was innovative. It may have been influenced by The Dakota or Parisian apartment buildings.
Over time Mills House No 1’s reputation changed. It became known as a welfare hotel. It housed the city’s most vulnerable men. It was once referred to as a “mean flop house.” Stories circulated about fights and even a death by a thrown table. Yet despite its reputation the building played a role in the city’s cultural history. The Village Gate a famous jazz club operated in its basement. Many famous musicians including Billie Holiday and Miles Davis played there. The club eventually expanded to upper floors.
In the 1970s Mills House No 1 was renovated. It was transformed into The Atrium an apartment building. Today only a faint trace of the past remains. The building stands as a testament to Mills’ vision. It shows the evolution of a city. It reminds us that even the most humble places can hold grand stories. Mills House No 1 stands strong a legacy of both hope and hardship.