- In 1909, 20 year-old Rosario Candela immigrated from Sicily to NYC with only $20.
- During the 1920s, Candela designed notable luxury apartment buildings on Park and Fifth Avenues (ie 740 Park, 834 Fifth).
- Before, existing apartment layouts included bedrooms next to kitchens, few bathrooms and isolated living rooms.
- Candela introduced public areas (living rooms, dining rooms), service areas (kitchens) and private areas that were self-contained yet seamlessly connected.
- Although his business shuttered (Great Depression), Candela’s approach to layouts still influences modern designs.
