Affordable housing options are available but often overlooked in plain sight.

In 1949, Betty Friedan relocated to a garden apartment in Queens, a move that would later resonate through her influential writings on the lives of women in post-World War II America. Reflecting on her experience at Parkway Village, Friedan expressed that she may never again experience such happiness.

Friedan’s sentiments were shared by many Americans who found solace in these quaint residential settings. Screenwriter Jan Oxenberg fondly recalled her childhood at Bell Park Gardens in Queens, describing it as a “paradise for kids.” This idyllic image was echoed by critic Lewis Mumford, who characterized Fresh Meadows as “a slice of the City of Tomorrow,” a blend of garden apartments and taller buildings set amidst communal spaces.

Garden apartments, which consist of two- or three-story multi-family units arranged around courtyards or lawns, represent a significant mid-20th century endeavor to provide affordable housing for families of modest means. Despite their continued relevance in cities across the United States, they have often been overlooked in discussions among policymakers, architects, and scholars. As urban areas like New York grapple with severe housing shortages, these charming complexes warrant renewed attention.

The concept of garden apartments was inspired by early 20th-century “garden cities” developed in England and government-built housing initiatives in cities like Vienna, Frankfurt, and Berlin. American housing reformers, observing these successful models, set out to create communities that prioritized greenery, light, ventilation, privacy, and safe recreational areas for low-income families. Sunnyside Gardens in Queens, constructed in the mid-1920s, marked the initial foray into this genre, ultimately earning historical designation for its lasting impact on urban housing.

The mass proliferation of garden apartments occurred during the New Deal era under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, as the federal government sought to bolster the economy and provide housing in the wake of the Great Depression. This initiative led to the construction of these apartments as a favored form of government-assisted housing, providing substantial improvements over outdated tenements.

While some garden apartments were developed as public housing, most emerged from private developers supported by government guarantees from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This initiative mitigated risks for lenders and reduced interest rates, and developers were appointed to gain design approval from federal authorities.

By the late 1930s, established architectural guidelines emerged: modest brick structures surrounding courtyards with vehicles kept to the periphery, smaller room sizes complemented by ample windows and cross-ventilation, as well as shared outdoor amenities fostering a sense of community.

The outbreak of World War II temporarily halted garden apartment construction, but the post-war era saw a significant resurgence as a response to the housing demand among returning veterans and their families. Queens became a focal point for these investment strategies, with over 30 complexes built in the twelve years following V-J Day, providing more than 23,000 homes. New York City and State facilitated the development of cooperative housing complexes through tax incentives, making garden apartments an essential option for working-class and lower-middle-class families.

Ultimately, as suburban single-family homes began to address postwar housing needs, garden apartments remained a practical and desirable choice for families seeking to retain their urban lifestyles and sense of community. The 1970s ushered in a transition of many New York garden apartment complexes into cooperatives, solidifying residents’ connections to their homes. Today, numerous well-maintained garden apartment developments continue to dot the landscape of Queens.

Although the housing challenges of the mid-20th century differ from those of the present day, the legacy of garden apartments serves as a reminder that political will and financial backing can facilitate the swift construction of affordable housing. It is an opportune moment for public and private sectors to draw inspiration from the successes of the past and prioritize the development of ample, decent housing that meets contemporary needs.

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