As we collectively mourn so many beautiful buildings we had lost in New York, hardly any other causes as much emotion as the Twin Towers. They perished tragically in the attacks of Sept 11, collapsing after being pierced by airplanes that turned into horrific fireballs as they hit the buildings. Twin Towers came to represent…
Category: Lost in New York
New York Life — a skyscraper with a golden crown
The 40-story tower crowned by the 6-story shining golden roof in the shape of an octagonal pyramid on the northeast corner of Madison Park belongs to New York Life Insurance Company. The crown was originally covered by cooper-and-gold leaf, which eventually eroded and was replaced with gold-colored tile. The effect is fantastic — the golden…
The first American World Fair — elevators and pianos in Bryant Park
A charming little park behind the New York Public Library boasts quite an unusual history. Like many other parks in the city, it started as a potter’s field. Yet, unlike other parks, it was once the site of the biggest tourist attraction of its day. A location for America’s first World’s Fair — the Crystal…
Many lives of Castle Clinton
A chameleon of function, Castle Clinton had many reincarnations, and it’s not finished changing yet. Built as a fortification, the masonry circular structure has functioned as an exhibition hall, theater, immigration station, public aquarium, and national monument. 1811-1822 Military Fort Along with other forts on Bedloe (Liberty) Island, Ellis Island, and Governor’s Island built to…
City Beautiful Blog 