Cherokee Apartments

The Cherokee Apartments, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, is a historic four-building complex originally constructed in 1912 to provide housing for tuberculosis patients and their families. Designed by architect Henry Atterbury Smith, the buildings feature unique architectural elements such as floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and central courtyards aimed at promoting health and well-being. The complex was converted to regular rental apartments in 1924 and became a co-op, earning designation as a New York City landmark in 1985. Visitors can appreciate the intricate terra cotta and brick facades, vaulted passages with Guastavino tile, and the airy courtyards that reflect early 20th-century health-conscious design. The apartments, which originally housed up to 375 units, are notable for their innovative layout that minimized the spread of germs, making them a fascinating site for both tourists and researchers interested in architectural history and urban living.