3. Bergdorf Goodman hosted the wealthiest janitors — sort of
Edwin Goodman bought a plot on 5th Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets, a connection to the wealthy enclaves on the East Side. The new Bergdorf Goodman was the go-to shopping destination for the affluent, and in order to oversee all parts of the store, Goodman and his family moved into the penthouse.
However, according to city regulations, nobody was allowed to live in industrial spaces except for janitors. Thanks to mayor Jimmy Walker, Edwin Goodman listed himself and his family as building custodians, which made them the wealthiest janitors in the world. Edwin Goodman’s children were in business with their father until 1972.