Chrysler Building Archives

As you can imagine, many New York City buildings have their own rich histories. Even though I’m partial to the old classic styles, I still love some of the new buildings. And I’m thrilled when I notice the way the sun highlights a color that makes a building I’m used to seeing look new and exciting. If I have my camera and I’m not in a hurry, I usually stop and take a photo.

I’ve been fortunate to have visited many, worked in a few and pass by a number of them on my way to and from work everyday. Here are some of my favorites.

The Chrysler Building. At 1,047 feet, this Art Deco building, located at 405 Lexington Avenue, was the world’s tallest building from 1930 when it was completed, to 1931 when the Empire State Building edged it out. It is now the second tallest building in New York City after the new Bank of America Tower and the world’s tallest steel supported brick building. No workers died during its construction despite its four floors a week building pace. Although it was built for the Chrysler Corporation and served as its headquarters until the 1950, the Chrysler Building was a project for Walter P. Chrysler’s children. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Grand Central Terminal: Built and owned by the Vanderbilt family, Grand Central Terminal opened in 1871. Located at 89 E 42^nd Street, it spans 48 acres and is the largest train station in the world by number of platforms: 44. It serves commuters from Connecticut and New York’s northern counties as well as subway riders. Over 750,000 people pass through Grand Central every day, more than 1 million during the holiday season. The main concourse (275 feet long, 120 feet wide and 125 feet high) houses the information booth. With its four-faced opal clock, estimated to be worth between $10-20 million, is a popular meeting place in this very busy station. Following a 12-year restoration, a beautiful ceiling decorated with constellations of stars was revealed and is now one of the terminal’s attractions. Grand Central Terminal is a New York City Landmark, a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Continue reading “12 Must See New York City Buildings” →

New York City boasts an impressive array of attractions and activities – from Central Park to Broadway – that draw about 40 million American and international visitors annually.

And we love that you come, because last year alone, you pumped $39 million into our economy.

But for people like me who work in the middle of some of the City’s most popular tourist areas – Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central, etc., it feels like all 49 million of you descend on those areas right at rush hour.

So, if you happen to find yourself in any of these areas during rush hour, here’s what not to do:

Don’t Hold up Traffic: Between 7-9 a.m., New Yorkers rush to get to work and between 4-6 p.m., they will almost run you over to catch the bus or train or subway that will take them home. Since you’re on vacation, you stroll. So if you’re caught during rush hour, rather than have us swearing, “Tourists!” under our breaths (or sometimes, at you), move to the side and let us rush past so we can get home to pick up the kids, send the nanny home, feed the cat, walk the dog, etc.
Don’t Walk More than Two Abreast: A lot of sidewalks in the areas mentioned are wider than normal but it’s not an invitation for you and your entourage to spread out. Be mindful of us trying to get home, so walk don’t walk more than two abreast.
Pay Attention: With some of the most interesting buildings in the world, like New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, etc., we understand that you will want to stop, look up and take photographs. But during rush hour, don’t stroll and look up at the same time or turn around quickly. We wouldn’t want to run into you.