In Plain Sight
-
I Spy A Boardwalk in Soho
Have you ever seen those I Spy children’s books? Each page features a large picture of a whimsical location filled with detail, in which you’re supposed to search for various hidden items listed beside it. I used to have a few when I was a kid, and while I enjoyed the colorful and intricate settings,…
-
Danger and Intrigue in Cortlandt Alley
As far as I’m concerned, Cortlandt Alley between Walker and White Streets is the most beautiful of Manhattan’s few remaining back alleys. It’s the archetypal image of a New York City alley – narrow, dank, secluded, and bordered by decaying loading docks, rusting fire escapes, and graffitied brick walls. I love the fact that if…
-
Evil Birds, Ghost Ads, Forgotten Alleys…
Every Friday, I try to put together a post of random tidbits from my week in scouting. Enjoy! While scouting in Tribeca earlier in the week, I was glad to see that my favorite Manhattan ghost ad (a sign, billboard or painting advertising something long gone) is still in decent shape… Located at the corner…
-
Grabbing Electricity at the Old G.E. Building
You probably know 570 Lexington as the skyscraper behind St. Bart’s Church: a towering 50-story behemoth of salmon brick, clearly affirming the Art Deco maxim of signifying power through simplicity. Originally built for RCA-Victor, it later became the G.E. building, and was ultimately donated to Columbia University during tough economic times. I’ve walked past the…