Jeff Woodman: The sun sets in the West, just about everyone knows that, but Sunset Towers faced East. Strange. Sunset Towers faced East and had no towers. This glittery, glassy apartment house stood alone on the Lake Michigan shore, five stories high. Five, empty stories high. Then one day, it happened to be the fourth of July, a most uncommon-looking delivery boy rode around town, slipping letters under the doors of the chosen tenants to be. The letters were signed, Barney Northrup. The delivery boy was 62 years old and there was no such person as Barney Northrup.

Dear lucky one, here it is. The apartment you've always dreamed of, at a rent you can afford, in the newest, most luxurious building on Lake Michigan. Sunset Towers. Picture windows in every room, uniformed doorman, maid service. Central air conditioning, high speed elevator, exclusive neighborhood near excellent school, et cetera, et cetera. You have to see it to believe it. But these unbelievably elegant apartments will be shown by appointment only, so hurry, there are only a few left. Call me now at 276-7474 for this once in a lifetime offer. Your servant, Barney Northrup. P. S. I am also renting ideal space for doctor's office in lobby, coffee shop with entrance from parking lot, high-class restaurant on entire top floor.

Six letters were delivered, just six. Six appointments were made, and one by one, family by family, talk, talk, talk, Barney Northrup led the tours around and about Sunset Towers.

"Take a look at all that glass, one way glass," Barney Northrup said, "you can see out, nobody can see in." Looking up, the Wexlers, the first appointment of the day, were blinded by the blast of morning sun that flashed off the face of the building. "See those chandeliers? Crystal!" Barney Northrup said, slicking his black mustache and straightening his hand-painted tie in the lobby's mirrored wall. "How 'bout this carpeting? Three inches thick!"

"Gorgeous," Mrs. Wexler replied, clutching her husband's arm as her high heels wobbled in the deep plush pile. She too managed an approving glance in the mirror, before the elevator door opened. "You are really in luck," Barney Northrup said, "there's only one apartment left, but you'll love it. It was meant for you!" He flung open the door to 3D. "Now is that breath-taking or is that breathtaking?"

Mrs. Wexler gasped. It was breath-taking alright. Two walls of the living room were floor-to-ceiling glass. Following Barney Northrup's lead, she ooh-ed and aah-ed her joyous way through the entire apartment.