Noonan Plaza Apartments

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Bronx, stands the majestic Noonan Plaza Apartments. A testament to the Art Deco era, this architectural gem has witnessed the ebb and flow of city life since 1931. Bernard J. Noonan, an Irish-born developer, envisioned a grand residential complex. He commissioned the renowned firm of Horace Ginsberg, with Marvin Fine adding his distinctive touch to the exterior. Noonan Plaza Apartments wasn’t just another building. It was a statement, a symbol of upward mobility for Jewish families escaping the crowded Lower East Side. Imagine stepping back in time to 1928. The grand opening! Families marvel at the modern bathrooms and kitchens, features that were the height of luxury. The apartments, cleverly designed to maximize sunlight and fresh air, offered a refreshing contrast to cramped tenement living. Noonan Plaza Apartments quickly became a coveted address. A young boy, growing up during the Great Depression, would often pause on his walk to P.S. 11. He’d gaze longingly at the magical courtyard within Noonan Plaza Apartments. He dreamed of one day living amidst such splendor. The courtyard, a true oasis, featured a pool teeming with swans and fish, a mesmerizing waterfall, and charming Japanese bridges. It was a world away from the harsh realities of the Depression. The complex, comprising six- and eight-story white brick buildings, housed 281 apartments, ranging from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom units. The Mayan and Art Deco ornamentation on the facades added an extra touch of elegance. Sadly, like many areas of the Bronx, Noonan Plaza Apartments fell into disrepair in later years. Vandals and squatters took over, stripping the building of its former glory. Only a handful of families remained, clinging to the memory of what once was. But hope was not lost. Architect Frederick Ginsbern, son of the original architect, stepped in. He collaborated with the New York Savings Bank to restore his father’s masterpiece. The painstaking restoration, completed in 1982 at a cost of $9 million, breathed new life into Noonan Plaza Apartments. A serene garden replaced the former pool, and security measures ensured the safety and tranquility of the residents. The reborn Noonan Plaza Apartments became a beacon of hope, receiving over 2,000 applications for its affordable housing units. Today, Noonan Plaza Apartments stands proudly as a New York City landmark, a testament to its enduring beauty and resilience. It’s a place where history whispers, where the echoes of the past mingle with the promise of the future.