Tenement Hallway, 266 Elizabeth Street.
Tenement homes, despite being homes, rental space, and used for the manufacturing of clothing, accessories, and even food, were not known for being well maintained or clean. This image shows the conditions at 266 Elizabeth Street. The ceiling has crumbled, exposing the rotten beams. The support column is likewise rotting, possibly a casualty of whatever caused the water seepage on the floor.
With all the damage to the wood and ceiling, the pipes are questionable at best. Beyond the water damage, the wainscoting along the hallway appears to be likewise rotten and dirty. Whatever mold colonies may be growing in this hallway, it is getting all it needs to thrive. Riis blamed “profiteering landlords” for providing buildings “to shelter at as little outlay as possible, the greatest crowds out of which rent could be wrung.” The landlords either couldn’t or wouldn’t keep up with repairs, leading to these conditions.
