Posts from — November 2007

A walk at South Street Seaport by Geff Rossi on Flickr.

Changes in Store for South Street Seaport (AMNY)

South Street Seaport Opens August 8, 1983 (Time)

From 08/08/83 Above:
“Until last week, there was not one public place on the island of Manhattan where people could sit in sheltered and stimulating surroundings, to eat, drink and enjoy the life of their waterfront.” Wow.

South Street Seaport Redevelopment (PlanNYC)

Final Days on South Street (New York Voices/WNET)

South Street Seaport Historic District Map (NYC LPC)

Seaport and Civic Center (NY Architecture Images)

Above Left; Photomontage of proposed illumination of WTC, 1986.
Above Right; Tribute In Light, 2007 by sizeofguam on Flickr.

A Smithsonian researcher working on the upcoming book, Times Square Spectacular: Lighting Up Broadway recently discovered images of a proposed 1986 exterior lighting plan for the World Trade Center in the papers of Douglas Leigh. Douglas Leigh (1907-1999) is best known for his advertising work in Times Square (most notably the Camel smoke-ring billboard in Times Square). The Times reports how the plan bears an uncanny resemblance to the Tribute in Light project developed as a poignant memorial after the terrorist attacks of 2001. The ambitious 1986 lighting plan eventually faded away as the high total cost became clear, but as one can see in this three-page letter to the World Trade Center facilities managers, Leigh thought the work could be feasible, and like other NYC lighting installations would “lift the spirits of the people of New York.”

Learn more about Douglas Leigh and view many of his illuminated contributions to Times Square at the Douglas Leigh Papers at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art.

Below: “World’s Largest Fountain Pen readied for New Year’s Eve,” 195?. Douglas Leigh papers, 1903-1999, Smithsonian Archives of American Art.

T.B.D. by nyluke on Flickr.

In another blow to those seeking to fight for tenants who will be displaced by the Atlantic Yards development, the New York Post reports that:

“A state appellate court yesterday tossed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Empire State Development Corp.’s relocation plan for Brooklyn residents living in the 22-acre footprint of the controversial Atlantic Yards project.

“A review . . . reveals [that the ESDC] appropriately considered the impact that the displacement of all households within the project site would have on the socioeconomic profile and character of the community,” the panel’s written decision said.
George Locker, a lawyer for rent-stabilized tenants being forced to relocate because of the state-approved $4 billion NBA arena-residential-retail megaproject, said he planned to appeal the decision.

Developer Forest City Ratner and the ESDC hailed the decision. Ratner Executive Vice President Bruce Bender said, “We remain committed to ensuring the proper relocation of tenants,” which includes the opportunity to live in the new development at the same rent.
The suit is one of four opposing the project. Project opponents are appealing a ruling against them in a federal suit challenging the state’s use of eminent-domain powers to acquire property.”

Read the court’s decision here.

Rockaway Express by scarlatti2004 on Flickr.

Today Metro New York highlights a new documentary- in-progress to be screened tomorrow at the Museum of the City of New York. It will feature the story of Rockaway Beach’s bungalow community, which thrived throughout much of the first half of the twentieth century, but has now dwindled down to 400 or so homes.

As train service was extended from New York and the immigrant population swelled, people would escape stifling tenements and venture out to Rockaway Beach. Over time, the area became a summer destination for the working class, where as many as 7,000 small bungalow houses were enjoyed throughout the summer months.

Old Rockaway Photos A great collection of historic images from the Rockaways.

Forgotten NY Offers a great look at the neighborhood and its history.

The alumni of Far Rockaway High School have a great site filled with photos and memories of people and places in the area.

The Bungalows of Rockaway, a film by Jennifer Callahan and a slide presentation by Anthony King, author of The Bungalow: The Production of a Global Culture. After the screening, architectural journalist Eve Kahn will moderate a panel discussion including Jill Eisenstadt, author of the novel From Rockaway, and urban architectural historian and author Andrew S. Dolkart. NYC Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe will make the introductory remarks. Museum of the City of New York, November 13, 6:30 P.M., $9.00.

Unfortunately many of the modest, respectable homes in the area built during boom-times have not fared so well.

Ever Been to Rockaway Beach? by deepfruit on Flickr.

Keys, we can make by Moriza on Flickr.

Last Thursday Fats Domino of Blueberry Hill fame received a key to the city from Mayor Bloomberg for his efforts to aid New Orleans. The New York Times wrote about the tradition of bestowing the city key, which symbolizes “Freedom of the City” and is a replica of the 1812 key that opened–you guessed it–the doors to City Hall.

Although the keys given out in recent memory have looked like “large skeleton keys, with the city seal set into a three-lobed handle, encircled by enamel rings of orange and blue” with the mayor’s name imprinted on the shaft, Bloomie’s key has differently shaped notches, its end is flat rather than rounded, and is slightly lighter than other versions.

The keys themselves are made by Ashburns Engravers at 90 John Street and cost $100 each. Fats was honored at “Goin’ Home: An Evening Honoring Fats Domino and the Music of New Orleans” for his work with Tipitina’s Foundation, set up to help preserve New Orleans’ music culture in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.