Category Archives: Collections

Manhole Covers

Architecture, Collections,

Talk about taken-for-granted details! The ubiquitous manhole cover is SOOOOO overlooked, no one has yet invented a politically correct (non-sexist) name for it.

It seems that most covers, these days, are made in India. How did China miss this market?

If you have a little time on your hands, go to Flickr and search for manhole covers – you’ll be amazed at the variety, artistry and imagination lavished on this lowly detail!

Governors Island

Collections, Manhattan, Parks & Monuments, , , , ,

Governors Island is open only during the summer on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. Free ferries run approximately every half hour from The Battery in Manhattan and every ten minutes from Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn. Visit The Trust for Governor’s Island for the 2015 schedule.

The island has two forts – Fort Jay and Castle Williams – that date back to 1806. (Castle Williams, which had been closed for renovations, has been reopened.) Other structures were added by the U.S. Army over the years; the island ended its military career as First Army HQ in 1966, when Governors Island was turned over to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard moved out in 1996; in 2001 the forts (and the land between them) were designated a National Monument. The federal government sold the island to the City and State of New York in 2003; “Open Access Weekends” began in 2005. Currently, Governors Island Alliance, the Trust for Governors Island, and the National Park Service are expanding the island’s park facilities and programs.

Google Map

St. George Staten Island

Collections, Staten Island, , , ,

By Wikipedia’s account, the name St. George was derived not from the dragon-slaying saint, but from George Law, a developer who acquired rights to the waterfront at bargain prices. According to island historians Charles Leng and William T. Davis, it was only after another prominent businessman, Erastus Wiman, promised to “canonize” him in the town’s name that Law agreed to relinquish the land rights for a ferry terminal.

Within walking distance of that terminal, you’ll find magnificent homes in the St. George/New Brighton Historic District (designated 1994) unlike any you’ll see anywhere else in New York City. Most are from the second half of the 1800s, many are exceptional examples of the Shingle Style, a New England invention.

A word of caution for visitors: The neighborhood is hilly – be prepared for a workout. Also be prepared (think camera) for some great vistas!

St George Staten Island Suggested Reading

Preservation League of Staten Island Landmarks Map (Google)

Faces of Brooklyn

Architecture, Brooklyn, Collections, , ,

Architectural ornament takes many forms – from modest moldings to elaborate scenes and figures within a pediment or atop a cornice. One of the most delightful ornaments is the mascaron or mask, which might be realistically human or fantastic or grotesque. These faces are generally terra cotta, and may be repeating (the same face used two or more times) or unique. They add character to buildings around the borough….

Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn, Collections, , , , , , ,

Brooklyn Heights (and neighboring Fulton Ferry and “DUMBO” [Down Under Manhattan Bridge Underpass]) are a triple treat.

They’re amazing concentrations of gorgeous and historic architecture, protected by New York City landmark status and (mostly) lovingly maintained. Down every block and around every corner you’ll delight at styles and details straight from the 1800s.

Secondly, these neighborhoods have spectacular views of downtown Manhattan. The Heights’ Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park are directly opposite the Financial District – itself filled with landmarks.

Thirdly, the Promenade and Park are great places to just hang out – enjoy fresh air, scenery and sunshine in a peaceful setting. Kid friendly, too, with the restored carousel now open in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Google Map

Western Queens

Collections, Queens, , , , , , , , , ,

Western Queens includes the mostly residential neighborhoods of Astoria, Long Island City, Ravenswood, Hunters Point, Ditmars, Steinway, and Sunnyside.

Until relatively recently, you couldn’t accuse this region of having a skyline; but then in 1989 the Citicorp Building went up, followed by (mostly) green glass residential, hotel and commercial buildings all along the East River corridor.

Google Map

Faces of Manhattan

Architecture, Collections, Manhattan, , , ,

Architectural ornament takes many forms – from modest moldings to elaborate scenes and figures within a pediment or atop a cornice. One of the most delightful ornaments is the mascaron or mask, which might be realistically human or fantastic or grotesque. These faces are generally terra cotta, and may be repeating (the same face used two or more times) or unique. They add character to buildings around the borough….

Battery Park City

Collections, Manhattan, Parks & Monuments, , , , , , , ,

Battery Park City was built on landfill – the ground removed for the original World Trade Center excavations.

The architecture, naturally, is all new – post-1980. But the interesting part of Battery Park City is how its apartment and commercial buildings have been combined with green space: there really is a park in the middle of Battery Park City.

The Esplanade is the park’s backbone, running from Battery Place up to Chambers Street along the Hudson River. It is a link in the growing “Greenway” bike/pedestrian path along most of New York’s waterfront.

Google Map