225 Van Cortlandt Park Avenue

This deed conveyed Plot 17 in Block 15 on the 1906 amended Park Hill map, a 60-by-110-foot parcel on the west side of Van Cortlandt Park Avenue adjoining land then or formerly of Leon Noel. The restrictions show the American Real Estate Company still controlling the character of the neighborhood: the parcel was limited until January 1, 1920 to one single-family residence, with a minimum construction cost of $8,000, street and lot-line setbacks, no flat or mansard roof, and the usual Park Hill prohibitions on nuisance, industrial, stable, liquor, and offensive uses. The deed also carried forward a Young Ladies' School covenant from the earlier American Real Estate Company to Anne Brown deed for Highcliff Hall / School for Girls.

This June 1, 1905 New York State census spread records Leon Noel, age 34, born in France and working in glass, with his wife Grace, age 29, and their Austrian servant Fannie Krocyon, age 17. The entry gives a small household snapshot from the brief Noel ownership period, between the 1903 purchase and the 1906 sale to John W. Salter.

This deed conveyed Plot 18 in Block 15, a 55-by-110-foot parcel on the west side of Van Cortlandt Park Avenue, using a September 19, 1903 M. Lorini survey as its point of reference. Its restrictions are a good example of the American Real Estate Company's early Park Hill development controls: use was limited until January 1, 1915 to one single-family residence, the architectural style required company approval, construction had to cost at least $7,000 and be completed within one year, and the house had to observe setbacks from Van Cortlandt Park Avenue, neighboring lots, and rear lots. The deed also repeated the usual nuisance, hazardous-use, trade, stable, liquor, and similar restrictions, with enforcement rights running to the company and nearby owners deriving title through it.