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The fire hazard was a constant risk and the sanitary conditions were terrifying as it was was documented by Danish-American photographer Jacob A. Riis, who, with his photo documentaries from New York's slum, contributed to the introduction by the end of the 19th century of a new housing law that slowly put an end to the murky tenements.

But many of the buildings still stand up and down with a labyrinthine zigzag pattern of spider-like fire staircases glued to the red-brown brick facade. Even though they are currently renovated and perhaps even furnished to luxury apartments, one can imagine the hustle and bustle, among the clotheslines, workshops and common closets.