The Art of Rickert-Finlay

Those who live in Douglas Manor have probably heard the name Rickert-Finlay many times before.

But anyone who doesn't call the peninsula formerly know as Little Neck home, will likely be unfamiliar with the work of Rickert-Finlay, a turn of the nineteenth century Manhattan-based real estate developer that forever changed the landscape of northeast Queens.

Still, just driving around the meandering country roads of Douglaston, which trace the natural contours of the area, it's hard not to appreciate the forethought of Rickert-Finlay and Company, the oft-overlooked planners of the Manor.

That's because in an era long before New York City zoning laws, the forward thinking Rickert-Finlay had enough sense to purchase the 175 acre peninsula from William Douglas's estate and developed it in such a way as to ensure that each plot sold would carry with it a set of restrictive covenants in perpetuity.

And in so doing, they ultimately preserved the architectural aesthetic of Douglaston's suburban transition in the early 1900s, which today is a vital study of early 20th century architecture.

Indeed, rules that prohibited building businesses and other non-residential structures in the area also promoted the 'garden city' ideals of urban planning, and created a green space community for middle to upper-middle class families trying to escape the erosion of once stable neighborhoods in Manhattan.

Before long, families flocked to the quiet pastures of Little Madnan's neck, in the hopes of starting a life out in the country that was within easy commuting distance to the city.

Small cottages were built for families of modest means while along Shore Road, larger houses equipped with maid's rooms and chauffeur's quarters were built to face the bay.

Today, Douglas Manor boasts a collection of homes that exhibit every style of residential building from the turn of the last century including colonial revival, arts and crafts, Mediterranean, Queen Anne and Tudor.

Though perhaps equally incredible is the common shoreline that exists, which opens up the waterfront of Little Neck Bay to everyone living in the area.