To spot the A. T. Stewart Era Buildings, look for clusters of charming old homes and structures nearby-think mansard roofs, cupolas, and classic Victorian details right here in the heart of Garden City.
Now, let’s step back in time for a moment. Imagine the hustle and bustle of the late 1800s-horses pulling carriages along wide, tree-lined avenues, children playing under the shade of hundreds of newly planted trees, and families moving into the very first planned community on Long Island. This is the dream world Alexander Turney Stewart, a department store tycoon, brought to life right here between 1871 and 1893. He didn’t just want houses-he wanted a community, so he filled his Garden City with all sorts of buildings: cozy little cottages, sprawling three-story villas, shops, water works, and even this mighty cathedral that towers above you.
And then there’s the legendary Apostle Houses-a name that sounds like it belongs in an old mystery novel. Built as part of Stewart’s grand vision, these homes came with mansard roofs, elegant cupolas, and even room for servants. Sixteen rooms, tall ceilings, and enough space for, well, almost anything except maybe hiding from your chores! Of the original ten Apostle houses, only six have survived fires, moves, and the ever-hungry jaws of real estate development. One house even pulled off the ultimate magic trick-moving from street to street until it landed on Eleventh Street and became the home of the Garden City Historical Society.
As you stand here, surrounded by history, you can almost hear the echoes of past residents, the laughter, the secrets of the servants' quarters, and the pride of a community growing from the seeds of one visionary’s imagination. These buildings aren’t just wood and stone; they’re the beating heart of Garden City, telling stories of ambition, resilience, and a little bit of 19th-century style.
