Advertisement for "choice villa sites."

Advertisement for Chester Park “Villas.” Originally designed to accommodate 89 homes, each villa site occupied a 100 by 100 foot lot. The Standens envisioned their “Private residence park” as an 1890’s equivalent to the gated community. Access was to be restricted to a few formal entrances with quality amenities (street lamps, a private Green, fresh water and sidewalks) pre-existing for the benefit (and financial responsibility) of the homeowners. It is curious to note that the train ride to Grand Central Station was only six minutes longer than it is today.