This is the only survivor of a group of three men's hotels from the late 1800 built by Mills in New York City. Built originally as a hostel for poor gentlemen, this block-wide building contained 1,500 tiny rooms available at affordable rates. The hotel was closed during the day to encourage its residents to seek work. The hotel was built in accordance with the 1879 Tenement House Law known as the 'Old Law.' With two 60-square foot airshafts penetrating a structure that occupies four city lots, this building exemplifies Flagg's main proposals for changes in the zoning laws. A major lobbyist for housing reform, Flagg might have been inspired by the layout of The Dakota [1884], or by the apartment buildings he had seen in Paris during his studies abroad.

Also see Jacob Riis the Battle of the Slum