Ultramodern glass spires have become the norm in New York, but are some of the city’s residents actually craving a piece of the past? A handful of new apartment towers are taking a nostalgic tack, wooing buyers with bespoke design details and luxurious materials that recall the glamorous whiteglove buildings of 100 years ago. Since the Peter Pennoyer–designed Benson at 1045 Madison Avenue debuted last September, all 15 apartments in the comparatively diminutive 21-story structure have sold (prices started at $12.5 million). In addition to the hand-carved, hand-laid Indiana limestone exterior with setback terraces and intricate ironwork, the interiors feature generous ceiling heights and enfilade-style entertaining spaces.