The Webster Apartments

About

Short term housing for working women in NYC

Story

Charles and Josiah Webster, the founders of the Webster Apartments were first cousins of Roland H. Macy, who came to New York in the late 1800s, to learn the merchandizing business under the tutelage of Macy.

Around the turn of the 19th century, Charles B. Webster was the senior partner and held the largest shares of the successful partnership. Roland H. Macy and the Webster Brothers prospered and when Charles died in 1916 he left virtually his entire estate to found the Webster Apartments "For occupancy by unmarried working women regardless of their religious belief or nationality and wherein they find comfortable and attractive homes".

Josiah Webster was the first President of the Webster Apartments and when he died, he also left the bulk of his fortune to Webster.

The two brothers conceived, built and initially ran the non profit organization now known as The Webster. Our doors opened on November 15, 1923, and we have been virtually filled to capacity ever since.

Mission

The Webster Apartments is a benevolent institution whose mission is to provide safe, affordable, temporary residences for working women of modest means. The Webster promotes a healthy and decent lifestyle, providing nutritious meals, comfortable furnished rooms, a library, educational lectures, and good moral surroundings. We give our residents the valuable opportunity to build a network and experience life in New York City as they pursue their careers.