Manhattan Landmarks

They come and then sometimes they go. In this article we look at news in Manhattan connected to landmark buildings: two new ones and one that managed to avoid eradication.

New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) just designated two historic buildings as landmarks: the James NoMad Hotel (formerly the Hotel Seville) and the Emmet Building. Both of these were constructed in the early 20th century. They were the beginning of Madison Square Park north becoming the very active merchandising region it is known for today. Meenakshi Srinivasan, LPC Chair said:

"I am thrilled the Commission voted to designate both Hotel Seville and the Emmet Building. These elegant buildings are not only distinctive and exemplary on their own, but together they represent an era of change and development in the area north of Madison Square during the early 20th century. Their location across the street from each other reinforces this intersection as a reminder of the architectural exuberance of their historic period."

Over at Sunset Park, a battle ensued over the maintenance of its sole freestanding mansion. Plans were in place to knock it down and put a seven-story apartment building there. But after much protest from many of the area’s residents), the LPC called for the preservation of the Dr. Maurice T. Lewis House as a “neighborhood icon for years to come.” Following that decision, huge applause and cheers were heard from the public hearing room at the Manhattan Municipal Building.

Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Show

For Manhattan dog lovers, the recent Best in Show competition would have been a true delight. Hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club on Monday 12th February, thousands of dogs were competing to win the 142nd annual show. Dating back to 1877, the Westminster Dog Show is one of the world’s most famous parades attracting close to 3,000 dogs spanning from throughout America as well as 16 other countries around the world. The judging is categorized into seven groups: hound, toy, nonsporting, herding, working, sporting and terrier. Winners of each group then go on to group competitions later on in the evening. The winner this year was a Bichon Frise named Flynn. Handler Bill McFadden said of the win: "It feels a little unreal. I came in expecting nothing except hoping for a good performance, and I think I got it." Having said that, this was the 6 year old’s 42nd career best in show.

Magnificent Midtown and its Amazing Architecture

Architecturally, midtown really is magnificent. There’s always a lot being developed along with a great deal of renovation. For artists, there is the Rockefeller Centre’s incredible “low-relief sculpture, urgent murals, sumptuous bronze, stonework and glass tesserae on a landmark site, bristling with statuary and iconic artwork.” It spans more than 22 acres and has been termed a “city within a city.” Designed by Max Abramovitz, Wallace K Harrison and Raymond Hood, a staggering 40,000 individuals were employed to work on the construction. Other developments that have been occurring over the last few years, include the happening at the Williamsburg waterfront. Being the first part of the larger Domino megaproject, this 325 Kent Avenue building was just revealed last summer. And of course the new centerpiece of Hudson Yards – the Vessel structure – which has finally reached its full height (featuring 80 landings and 154 staircases). Designed by Brit Thomas Heatherwick, it was constructed over a train depot on the West side and will eventually be surrounded by gardens and a public plaza.

Midtown Manhattan Festivities

There really is nothing quite like Christmas in midtown Manhattan. Check out this video from a year ago to get yourself into the spirit.

Midtown Tree

Selecting the perfect Christmas tree for Midtown Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center is no easy task.  It has to be quite perfect.  But one has been found that meets the requirements.  It was chosen from Pennsylvania’s State College (Jason Perrin’s home) and is originally from Norway.  It was put on display behind the ice rink and it will be lit up in a ceremony on November 29.

The tree will – as in years past – remain at the center throughout Christmas and New Year’s and will only be taken down January 7.  Rockefeller Center has been adorned with a tree now for around 7 decades and is viewed by passersby between W. 48^th and 51^st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

This year measuring in at 75 feet it has a 50 foot diameter and weighs approximately 12-13 tons.

The Suburbs in NYC?

Possibly.  Well, at least New Yorkers will be privy to a taste of suburban life with the opening of a branch of Target – America’s 2^nd largest discount retail store.  Opening its doors in Midtown Manhattan at 112 West 34^th Street, the third location in Manhattan will open three days from now. 

For Manhattaners – veteran and newbies alike – this is not the first in a great move.  At one point Target was not known for its presence in NYC.  But today that is no longer the case, with another one due to open next week in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn as well as one in East Village next year and two more in the region in 2019.

And there is more positive suburban-style news for NYC.  Insider City Guides recently ranked Brooklyn Bridge Park in its sightseeing research article Six of the best: City Parks for its “unmatched Manhattan views... manicured lawns and six (so far) re-purposed piers [featuring] a festival feel on summer weekends.”

Perhaps the suburbs aren’t so far away from NYC after all.

New Happenings in Midtown

There are some new eateries opening up in Midtown Manhattan.  Although it already has three branches in NYC, Joe’s Pizza is now available on Times Square, at 1435 Broadway. The iconic store originally opened back in 1975 in Greenwich Village.

Next up is Luke’s Lobster which opened its 12^th NYC location in Midtown Manhattan.  Located between West 38^th and 39^th Streets, to mark the occasion of its new place, the first customers to frequent the store received a free lobster roll. 


And for something completely different a plant-based “fast-food” joint just opened in Midtown also.  Run by Craig Cohran (co-founder of a plant-based fast food café that already exists in Manhattan), he opened P.S. Kitchen in Times Square as a way to give back and make a difference. The idea is to make giving more fun by creating a nice restaurant that would give profits to charity; enjoy a cocktail and a meal and at the same time support a worthy cause. The menu is completely plant-based and many of the employees come from underprivileged backgrounds.