The Dakota, 1880's

When Mr. Camden as his associates first build the Dakota apartment building in the 1880's, it is something of an experiment: the lavish building is situated well outside the populated areas of New York City, essentially out in the countryside. The building is full of large, elaborate apartments that are lived in by the uppermost class of society. By contrast, the large working staff who lives in the building are worked hard and it is not obvious that they are paid a living wage. While the residents of the building appreciate the incredibly complicated, grandiose design of the building, Mr. Camden and Sara believe it is pretentious, and that a sleeker look will dominate the city soon enough.

The Dakota, 1980's

By the 1980's, New York City has grown enough that the Dakota is now entirely surrounded by the city. The ornate style of the building...