I always enjoy scouting apartment buildings around the Prospect Park South area. They don’t look especially interesting from the outside…

…but you’d be amazed at how many have an almost regal tone to their lobbies. Sadly, most of them are pretty run down, but the details often persist, and every once in a while, you come across one in really great shape. This one in particular really impressed me:

First, the fireplace, flanked by castle-like turrets…

…and topped with the royal coat of arms for the United Kingdom:

Overhead are these wonderfully intricate beams – really in immaculate condition, especially for the neighborhood:

Feel like you’re being watched? You are:

But what really got me was the elevator. Inside and out, it’s otherwise pretty much identical to other elevators in the neighborhood…

…except for this gold-plated design on the door.

Seriously, how beautiful is that?

I’m not an expert on the art of elevator design, but it feels very art nouveau, almost like something by Alphonse Mucha.

I love the design, of a woman hanging a flower basket:

A close-up of the woman:

I spoke with the super, who didn’t know any of the building’s history but made it really clear how much he loves his lobby, and strives to keep it in excellent condition (fearing that someone might damage the plate, he covered it in the clear plastic seen above).

Does anyone know anything about this sort of elevator design? Is it common for New York? I’ve certainly never seen another elevator like it, but I really hope there are more out there.

-SCOUT

PS – This was on a nearby building. Over/under on when $50 was compelling enough to wait for the arrest AND conviction?

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