Central Park Once Known for Malaria Instead of Condos

In New York City, a place with a view of Central Park is one of the most sought-after and costly luxuries in that city’s real estate market. But this wasn’t always the case, as the area was known more for malaria than penthouse condos a hundred years ago.

The cheapest condo in the upcoming ninety story apartment building One57 goes for $7.35 million, while its two-floor penthouse will likely sell for $115 million. But in the late 1800s, malaria was widespread throughout Central Park, and people tended to stay as far away as possible. Also, most building in the city were less than five stories high in that era. The construction of skyscrapers didn’t peak until 1961. There were no penthouses and no lack of blood-borne pathogens.

These days malaria is not a problem in New York City, but the unseasonably warm temperatures might bring the mosquitoes in earlier this year.