hudson view gardens---opinions?

The complex was originally commissioned by the father of Jane & Blanche Hudson, of Vaudevillle & Silent Era fame.

Dear "Daddy", as hed was affectionately called (especially by Jane), believed in housing for the masses-but still befitting a star.

He chose the highest point in Manhattan, to evoke a Hollywood Hills feel.

Unfortunately, the project was scaled back considerably after a tragic automobile accident crippled Blanche. Jane was suspected but never charged, but court costs, lawyers fees & the stock market crash all conspired to make a perfect economic storm. Because of this, a number of ambitious amenities
never came to be.

For example, Blanche reportedly had a great love of parakeets, & to accomodate this passion an aviary was planned for the west side of Cabrini Boulevard.

As its foundation had already been poured, a retail space was erected in its place, which for many years housed a liquor store.

The Hudson sisters eventually returned to the west coast, taking their devoted domestic staff member Elvira with them.

Elvira ended up murdered, & Blanche found dead on Venice Beach, while an obviously insane Jane danced & sung for the curious crowd.

Very tragic, yes. But the complex is BEAUTIFUL!!! AND in a setting so relaxing & un-Manhattan like...you just GOTTA love it!!!

Seriously-its truly unique, as is the area its situated in. Good Luck!

Thanks, walpurgis!!! Love the background history that you provided. Not many people can say that they live in an apartment with its own Wikipedia entry! And the charm and beauty of the complex certainly goes without saying. :)

hudson view gardens is a very attractive group of buildings indeed !

No problem - & if all that weren't enough, a "cousin" project, albeit smaller, exists in Hollis.

Not many are aware of it, however, as it was kept "hush hush", if you will, for many years.

Wow, somebody's been hitting the sidecars hard!

Does the Hollis project involve a reclusive old former star of silent movies, her faithful servant, and a floater in her pool who used to write screenplays?

Close!

Only she's a reclusive Southern Belle, refusing to vacate a decaying estate slated for demolition...along with a visiting evil cousin hell bent on pushing her over the edge so that she & her doctor partner in crime can get their paws on the family fortune...after years of torture, guilt & blackmail...

Time for another sidecar...WHADAYAMEAN WE'RE OUT OF LIQUOR?!? I'll call Johnsons...

Oh, what a dimwit I am. I'll love her till she dies.

LOL! Please excuse me for a moment while I dust off that harpsichord!

I used to live in HVG in a one bedroom in the H building. The buildings and neighbors are quite lovely, and there truly is a sense of community here. With that said, there is one major thing to consider: the buildings were built in 1923, and much of the wiring and the plumbing is original (as are the elevators). Over the years, despite it being a co-op always, there has been significant deferred maintenance and poor oversight on capital projects (for example, the facade work many years ago - maybe decade or more - involved lawsuits and redoing). The management is now playing catch-up for this deferred maintenance that will likely involve significant assessments in the not-too-distant future.

The management company there (I recall it is Midboro) is a huge improvement over the former management company (Rose Associates), so the place is much-better run today. As well, the woman running the office (Arie) is a doll.

All-in-all, I would definitely consider an apartment here if your time horizon is five years or so, as you would likely get the benefit of living in such a lovely community without the longer-term issues of assessments for deferred maintenance. I understand that the prices here were hit pretty badly over the last several years due to the recession, so you can likely get a great sized apartment for a good value.

I would also suggest looking at two other buildings in the neighborhood: Castle Village and 200 Pinehurst. Castle Village is the preeminent complex here, well managed and maintained, but also high maintenance costs. 200 Pinehurst recently went through a lobby renovation, is extremely well-kept and managed, and has wonderful residents. I would suggest you contact Julie Gillis out of Sothebys Realty in Riverdale who lives in 200 and is a wonderful broker with whom to work. See knows the neighborhood well and will steer you in the right direction.

Good luck!

Thanks so much, jtornow1! Just rechecked this thread and saw your comment. It is very helpful and just the type of information I was looking for. Castle Village is on my list also but the quaintness of HVG is more my style. Will investigate 200 Pinehurst too; looks like a gorgeous Art Deco building. Thanks again!

Check castle village. the prices are the same if not less than hudson view. The panoramic views of the Hudson river and the GW bridge can't be beat.

Rather than starting a new thread, I will ask here: anyone else have any opinions on Castle Village? I am a little worried that it may be too skewed towards families with kids. I love kids but am single myself, and would prefer to live in a complex with a wide range of ages, singles and families, various backgrounds, occupations, and interests.

Also, I've heard the kitchens tend to be small; I love to cook so this would not be ideal. Will still check CV out for sure though.