Could
it refer to light wells or do you folks call them areaways or light
shafts? I'm thinking of the holes you see in some larger buildings to let
air and light into the interior rooms.
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