Last Remnants of Old New York
By Andrew Hammond
For a city that is over 400 years old, most of Manhattan’s buildings are relatively modern. The Neo-Gothic and Art-Deco buildings that defined early 20th century New York have evolved into a skyline of modernist architecture with symmetric glass facades and form following function.
Although the modernization of Manhattan is due to a large number of circumstances, the most prominent appears to be gentrification. As wealthier individuals move into lower class neighborhoods, they change the entire economic makeup of the area.
Average income rises as the average number of family members decrease. Older buildings are renovated or demolished as property taxes and rent rise. The working class residents of the neighborhood are gradually pushed-out as it is two expensive for them to live and operate businesses in the area.
The issue however is a double-edged sword. Gentrification does bring money into neighborhoods that are floundering or in need of repair. The influx of money being brought into lower class neighborhoods brings more profitable businesses and attention to the area. Unfortunately, in the neighborhood’s attempts to move forward, their past is left behind. Buildings that have been staples of the area for many years are purchased and either refaced or demolished entirely. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/zZB-C5tieBY" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
For the younger generation of New Yorkers, their only connection to old Manhattan lies in classic movies. Whether it’s Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly as sailors on shore leave in On the Town, or the films of Woody Allen with his home city in the supporting role; many New Yorker’s are unaware of the real heritage of the city’s landmarks.
One organization that seeks to expose the public to the sights and stories that have defined the city is Big Onion Walking Tours. Started in 1991 by founder and director Seth Kamil, Big Onion Walking Tours holds various on foot tours daily throughout the city’s historic neighborhoods, all of which are narrated by knowledgeable guides.
“Our goal with these tours is to keep the spirit of these places alive so they can be enjoyed for generations,” says Kamil, who holds a degree in American History from Columbia.
Landmarks such as the Flatiron Building, Woolworth Building and GE Building are lucky enough to have secured safety from demolition or modernization due to their iconography, however many other historic landmarks have not been so lucky.
Built in 1926, The Drake Hotel overlooking park avenue stood as an example of early 20th century Manhattan. It was controversially destroyed in 2007 and is currently slated for future construction. The YWCA Building stood on Lexington Avenue for 92 years before being demolished in 2007. The Historic Corn Exchange building in East Harlem is currently slated for redevelopment as it has been plagued by a lack of up keep and gentrification since ceasing operations in 1945.
“One of the reasons these landmarks hold so much historical and sentimental value is because the city is constantly building itself up,” says Kamil. To date, countless other historic buildings and landmarks currently face demolition or major renovation.
“Everywhere you look there seems to be more construction. As the city moves forward it leaves more behind.”[kml_flashembed movie=”http://ahammond.webng.com/Afinal/publish_to_web/soundslider.swf” width=”800″ height=”600″ wmode=”transparent” /]While developers and conglomerates seek to change the face of modern New York, others have come to embrace the iconography of classic landmarks, while giving them a modern life. The former mansion of early 20th century industrialist Andrew Carnegie now acts as a home for Cooper–Hewitt National Design Museum. The Dyckman House, located at Broadway and 204th street is the only remaining farmhouse in Manhattan. Built in 1784 by Dutch farmer William Dyckman, the house now serves as a museum. The federal style home of U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton resides in Saint Nicholas Park next to CUNY City College. It is one of the oldest structures in Manhattan and operates as a museum to the public. Both the Dyckman House and the Hamilton Grange National Memorial are protected as U.S. historic Landmarks.
Some current landmarks take their heritage a step further, by bringing old New York Style to the public. Former prohibition era speakeasies turned modern day night spots such as the 21 Club and P.D.T. (Please Don’t Tell) provide a 1930’s nightlife experience complete with secret doors and retro ornamentation and decor.
“The prohibition era was built on secrets,” says Kamil. “And that’s reflected in the select back room speakeasies that are left today.”
Located right under the Brooklyn Bridge at the Fulton Ferry Pier, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory operates out of a 1920’s Fireboat house. Patrons are able to enjoy in-house churned ice cream while viewing the historic New York City skyline across the river.
Despite the resurgence of iconic New York atmosphere, many landmarks still face destruction without intervention. Corporations continue to tear down staples of the New York Skyline in favor of sleek modern skyscrapers composed mostly of glass. Most landmarks are demolished as safety hazards, simply due to a lack of upkeep.
Phyllis DeNino, a 66 year old resident of the Lower East side says she has seen the city change in her lifetime, and that she believes it’s not always for the best.
“The constant noise and construction is one thing,” She says. “But seeing places you remember from when you were growing up, either get changed or taken down, that’s the sad part.”