Preservation society names UWS apartment an "unrestored relic"

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized Todd and Jennifer Tarpley for maintaining their Upper West Side apartment in its original, Depression-era condition. "So many apartments have been renovated beyond recognition," explained a spokesperson. "Yet here is a rare example that hasn't been touched in decades." The apartment features original, urine-stained hardwood floors, peeling plaster, and a front doorknob that turns only to the right and occasionally falls off. The Trust also lauded the creativity of the apartment's bathroom, which "is like stepping into a disco-era time warp, right down to the vintage 1970s grout." The Tarpleys stated that they "try to honor the integrity of the original apartment without resorting to fads like shower handles and lead-free paint."