What is Pre-War Architecture? The Definition, Pros, and Cons

If you’ve ever looked for an apartment in New York City, then you likely have bumped into the terms “pre-war” and “post-war.” The two describe distinct architectural styles shaped by changing consumer needs before and after World War II. But while the former is often coveted for its increasing rarity, that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its drawbacks.

In this article, we’ll go over what pre-war architecture is and its history, how it differs from post-war architecture, what the pros and cons are of living in a pre-war apartment, and tips for how you can find or identify a pre-war apartment. 

In the most basic terms, a pre-war apartment is one that was built between the years of 1900 and 1939. The term “pre-war” refers to the period before World War II, though architectural purists do not include 19th century architecture when using the term “pre-war.” Buildings erected before the year 1900 will have different features than pre-war homes, and the pre-1900 period is more defined by the Victorian and Colonial styles of architecture.

Pre-war architecture arose from the mass movement of US residents from farms and rural settings into cities. Apartment buildings started to crop up in major cities like Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Chicago, and the units were built on the idea that it’s possible to have all the charm and comfort of home within the walls of an apartment. Prior to then, apartments were considered uncomfortable and not in vogue.

At the time that pre-war architecture was flourishing, materials were expensive and labor was less so — meaning that more time was spent on crafting intricate details inside individual apartments. 

Pre-war apartments are known for their artistic finishes, high ceilings, spacious layouts (often including grand foyers), and attention to detail. A few common characteristics of a pre-war apartment are:

Once soldiers began returning from war, the need for housing in cities increased even more — and the more utilitarian post-war architecture took over. New construction buildings tend to have lower ceilings, less ornamentation, and more rectangular floorplans. However, what they lose in architectural charm, they make up for in functionality. Post-war buildings tend to be better equipped for modern amenities like gyms, central air conditioning and in-unit laundry, as well as open floor plans and larger kitchens.

Pre-war apartments are not as common as post-war apartments, and their exclusivity and rare architectural features make them a hot commodity in major urban real estate markets. That doesn’t mean they’re the perfect fit for just anyone, though. To really love a pre-war apartment, you will need to appreciate the architecture enough to make concessions on some amenities, for example. We outline the rest of the pros and cons of going pre-war for your apartment below.

If you have your heart set on a pre-war apartment, just know that you’ll only be able to find pre-war buildings in certain areas. For example, if you are looking for a pre-war NYC apartment, you’ll have the most luck if you stick to Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. There are some pre-war buildings in Brooklyn, but not as many. Neighborhoods with a higher concentration of pre-war buildings include the Upper West Side and the West Village. If you’re looking for a pre-war apartment in Boston, check out the Back Bay neighborhood, which will be home to some of the city’s oldest apartment buildings.

In general, when looking for a pre-war apartment, look into older neighborhoods that have more apartment buildings rather than townhouses, single-family homes, or duplexes and triplexes. When scanning apartment listings, keep an eye out for the characteristics that we named above.