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Manhattan Notes -
Neighborhood Profiles
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Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 |
Murray Hill
Located between 5th Ave and the FDR and 34th and 40th Streets
The Murray Hill neighborhood derived it's name from the Robert Murray family, 18th century merchants who relocated to New York City in 1735 to establish themselves in the merchant and overseas trade business. Mrs. Murray is famous for her bit of help in the Revolutionary War when she delayed British soldiers with tea and her feminine guiles so that American troops could retreat.
Elegant town homes and attractive apartment buildings make up the residential part of Murray Hill. Many of the residents have lived all or most of their lives here and have no desire to leave. Apartment rentals are not cheap in Murray Hill and many of the residents own their apartments. But anyone looking to move to Murray Hill can usually find whatever they are looking for, from co-ops or condos to exquisite brownstones.
Though there isn't a lot of shopping or entertainment, Murray Hill is home to one New York City's "jewels", the Pierpont Morgan Library. Named after J.P. Morgan, one of the nations foremost bankers at the end of the 19th century and known for his vast art collection, the Morgan Library possesses some of Morgan's fine Italian Renaissance paintings and sculptures, his incredible collection of rare books and a world-class collection of drawings.
Murray Hill is an attractive, charming neighborhood and is ideal for anyone looking to live a bit away from the noise and bustle of the city. Yet its excellent transportation, located right in the middle of Manhattan, makes commuting to work or a night out quick and easy.
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Manhattan Notes -
Neighborhood Profiles
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Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 |
  
Gramercy Park
17th-22nd St's & Park Avenue to the River
Extending from 17th-22nd Street, and Park Avenue to the River in what you might consider a small village in the heart of the city is Gramercy Park. With it's own private park that actually requires a key to the gate to get in, Gramercy Park is made up of exquisite brownstones with Victorian style flair.
Though it is a mostly residential area, Gramercy Park is home to some of NYC's best restaurants such as the Gramercy Tavern on 20th Street and there are new eatery's opening up like the Fleur de Sel. Gramercy Park has seen a change in it's entertainment scene as new bars have emerged in the ten years. Third Avenue has become popular with the locals and non alike who like to frequent The Bar on Gramercy Park or Pete's Tavern, the oldest surviving bar in the city.
Shopping in Gramercy is not abundant either, but because of it's central location, shoppers can find whatever they desire in the retail areas of SoHO, NoHo and Chinatown, all within walking distance. For shopping needs farther away, there are at least five subway lines within a five minute walk through the park.
Gramercy Park may have it's own private park but also in the area are Stuyvesant and Union Square, two small but important parks. A public park, Stuyvesant is encompassed by some of NYC's historical landmarks. Consisting of a two block section surrounded by cast iron fences, Stuyvesant Park is fronted on the west by St. George's Episcopal Church and on the east by Nathan Perlman Place, part of which is occupied by the New York Infirmary/Beekman Downtown Hospital.
Like many residential area's in the city, Gramercy Park has it's own special unique qualities and whether you are there to visit or have a desire to live, be prepared to be taken in by it's ambience and architecture. |
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Manhattan Notes -
Neighborhood Profiles
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Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 |
 
Greenwich Village
Bordered on the south by Houston St, to the north by 14th St, extends east and west from 6th Avenue to Broadway.
Close to NYU, Greenwich Village is home to college faculty, students and young professionals. Often referred to as the Bohemian Center of NYC, it has been home to many famous artists, writers and actors.
With it's narrow tree lined streets and old architectural town homes and apartment buildings, Greenwich Village provides it's inhabitants with European charm yet a New York City buzz. Built in the mid to late 1800's the apartment buildings and town homes can be small compared to the rest of the city, but resident's don't mind because Greenwich Village has so much to offer.
European style cafe's and restaurants offering French and Italian cuisine can be found all around the Village. There is always something to do for nightly entertainment as the Village has over 100 bars and nightclubs for whatever you are in the mood for, from bowling and beers to Jazz at the Blue Note.
The Village has it's share of New York City's historical landmarks but because of it's "Bohemian" nature many of the landmarks are known by what famous artist resided in or hung out at like the White House Saloon where Dylan Thomas often frequented.
Within the heart of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park. On the weekends you will find the locals flocking to take in the fresh air and enjoy a Sunday afternoon in the park.
Neighborhoods throughout NYC have fluctuated in popularity, but the Village consistently remains a popular neighborhood. The New York University is ever expanding and landlords and businesses continually work to keep up with NYU. The flow of students through the University causes Greenwich Village to be a new discovery to someone every day.
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Manhattan Notes -
Neighborhood Profiles
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Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 |
Located in the Manhattan borough of New York City, the East Village neighborhood is located north of Houston and south of 14th Street. Once considered a questionable area, the East Village has become home to professionals, artists and students of NYU yet has a real bohemian atmosphere.
In the last ten years, the East Village has seen an influx of new businesses opening many of which are art and music related. One of a kind boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and bars can be found all over the neighborhood. The East Village is known for it's considerable contribution to American arts and culture. With many artists and musicians getting their start here from the birth of punk music at the CBGB nightclub to modern American artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jeff Koons.
Razed and revitalized in 1991, Tompkins Square Park is in the center of the East Village. Once a shanty town for the homeless, the park was the sight for many riots in 1988 and 1995 as police disbanded the homeless encampments. After the razing of Tompkins Square Park in 1991, the park is now a welcoming place with it's two dog runs, tree lined path's, weekend farmers market and outdoor theater.
Housing costs in the East Village remain moderate in New York terms. The homes are made up mostly of pre war walk-ups, many which have been refurbished. Though small in size, the homes contain a certain charm. New residential buildings have been constructed in the area and one of the first residential buildings to be pre-wired for high speed internet is located here at 3rd Street and Avenue A (the Info Building).
Alphabet City, referred to this because of it's location between Avenue's A,B,C, and D, is part of East Village and because of the continuing revitalization and less expensive housing costs many residents are moving in. This, of course, causes the businesses to move in as well.
The East Village has seen it's share of changes over it's time. From the late 19th century when it was home to German immigrants and later Eastern European immigrants to the late 50's and 60's when it was a popular place for hippies, bikers, beatniks, punk rockers and artists. Now, in the 21st century it has become a ever growing yuppie neighborhood though still maintaining it's creative and artistic nature.
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Manhattan Notes -
Neighborhood Profiles
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Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00 |
The West Village is part of Greenwich Village and often referred to as one in the same. Located in the borough of Manhattan and situated between Hudson Street to the south and 14th Street to the north. A distinguishing yet confusing feature (especially to tourists, but residents as well) is the layout of the streets and sidewalks. Instead of being in the usual New York City grid of straight lines, the streets and sidewalks are set at an angle to the other streets in Manhattan.
Much of the housing in the West Village is a mix of buildings, much like the variety of people who reside there. From small apartment buildings and townhouses that were built in the mid to late 1800's to the new construction of affordable bright loft spaces. The older homes tend to be small in space but the charm and uniqueness of life in the West Village certainly makes up for it.
The West Village is known for its bohemian atmosphere. It attracts artists of all kinds as a place for creativity and expression of one's artistic nature. Mark Twain, Edgar Allen Poe and Walt Whitman are some of the classic authors who made their homes in the West Village.
European charm is abundant in the West Village from its tree lined streets to the many little cafe's and eatery's that can be found on Bleecker Street. Chef Mario Batali creates his fabulous Italian dishes at his restaurant, Babbo, on Waverly.
Young to middle age singles, as well as married couples without kids make up most of the population in the Village. A person has to be young or at least young at heart to take in all that the West Village has to offer. There is always something to choose from for night time entertainment, the West Village boasts over 100 bars and nightclubs. Daytime activities range from shopping in the trendy boutiques in the Meatpacking District to rejuvenating in Washington Square Park on a Sunday afternoon.
Considered by many as the spiritual soul of the city, the Village offers everything that one might expect and assuredly more.
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