An 1896 advertisement for the the 10-story Ardea apartment house, built in 1893 at 33 West 12th Street:
"New fire-proof apartment house, one apartment each floor, elevator and all modern improvements; exposed plumbing; seven large rooms and bath, all light, southerly exposure to sun and air; no well holes; unsurpassed in finish and conveniences by any in the city."
Any guesses on what "well holes" refer to? Christopher Gray