Archival photo of Walker Tower (Photo from CORE blog)

They don't make 'em like they used to. Between the glassy monstrosities sprouting up downtown and the faux- pre-war developments so popular among foreign buyers further north, New Yorkers are hard pressed to find a classic old building.

Come Spring 2012, however, 55 brand spanking new pre-war apartments will hit the market. How, you ask?  A time machine? The machinations of some smooth talking broker?

No, this one's legit. The Walker Tower, an 82-year-old building at 18th Street and 7th Avenue, is currently being converted to a residential complex and will open next in the next few months, satiating New Yorkers with an itch for an authentic Art Deco look. CORE Real Estate, the brokerage hosting sales in the Chelsea building, boasts about the new project on their blog.

Walker Tower could not be built today, nor could it ever be built again. Constructed in 1929 for the New York Telephone Company, the Art Deco skyscraper’s lavish entryways, ornate detailing and sweeping interior spaces are unheard of in today’s construction practices.

So if you're looking for a new pad and want the pre-war facade without the pre-war maintenance fees, this might be a good place to start.

eknutsen@observer.com