How cool would it be to have a rolling ladder in your home? We see them in film, libraries and book shops all the time but never in a New York apartment. Well, according to the Soho based Putnam Ladder Company, if you’re friends with Stephen Colbert, Yoko Ono, Matthew Broderick, Al Gore or….GW Bush, you’ve seen them in private residences.
In a recent NPR interview, current Putnam president Gregg Monsees shared some info on the 107 year old company. Putnam Ladder survives on 2000 orders per year with 16 employees. Since they own the Soho building, they rent space to help keep the business afloat.
The ladders are 100% American made in their Bushwick factory and the hardware is assembled in Soho. The problem is repeat business. The sturdy ladders outlive the businesses and private citizens who own them. The company often takes ladders back for resale.
So how much will one of these babies set you back? Prices start at close to $1000 for the most basic model. That’s not insane for one of a kind work of awesomeness. Yes, it’s probably upward of $2000 for a custom version.
The problem is, how many of us have a library or wine room with high enough ceilings in New York?
3 Comments
If you do have a high enough ceiling and an appropriate place to put the ladder they certainly are worth it! Rolling ladders are a symbol of elegance and mystery.
Hi! It was so nice to meet you! I have one of these Putnam ladders in our house now. It takes us to the loft every night. Thinking about putting something similar in our new house so the kitties can get up to the attic. They navigate up and down like pros. In fact, Rudy dive bombs from the top to a big pillow.
Great meeting you too! The cats can probably jump up to the attic without a ladder, but I take it that’s not the case for you.
Good luck with the house!