the house is notable for its splendid architecture, but it may be more well known for another reason. it was built on the site of a much older building which the patron had purchased and intended to demolish. much to his or her chagrin, however, the elderly tenant on the top floor of the building absolutely refused to sell, and so the patron was obliged to completely demolish the bottom three floors of the building and construct the maison de verre underneath, all without disturbing the original top floor.