New York City is well-known for its bustling Times Square, towering skyline, and Broadway theater shows. Yet, New York, like many big cities, has a storied history, and some of the buildings there have seen such tragic events that they are more notorious for their unfortunate pasts than their desirable architecture.

Many ghost hunters and the paranormal-curious have been known to head to these spooky locations with hopes to investigate further. As it appears, there might be other reasons why New York is called the city that never sleeps. Here are ten of them.

10 The Dakota

The Dakota, located at 72nd Street and Central Park West, is home to some of the most sought-after real estate in Manhattan. It was built in the 1880s, and its owner, Edward Clark, who was the founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, died at the age of 70 two years before the building was complete.

Overlooking Central Park, the Dakota is famous for both its Gothic architecture and haunted history. Horror fans will notice the exterior was used for scenes in Roman Polanski’s 1968 film Rosemary’s Baby. Also in the 1960s, when renovations took place; workers claimed they saw the ghost of a blonde-haired girl in the hallways.

Tragically, on December 8, 1980, Beatles singer John Lennon was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside the Dakota. His wife still lives there, and she has claimed that the ghost of her late husband visited her one night and told her, “Don’t be afraid. I am still with you.”^[1] Before his death, Lennon also revealed to his wife that he had witnessed a “crying lady ghost” stalking the halls in the night.

9 The House Of Death

In Greenwich Village, 14 West 10th Street was home to author Mark Twain from 1900 to 1901, and his ghost is believed to be one of the 22 spirits that haunt the building, all of whom either lived or died at the residence.

One former resident saw the ghost of a man with “white hair, wild-like” sitting in a chair looking out the window, and when she asked him what he was doing there, he replied, “My name is Clemens and I got problems here I gotta settle.” Also, an actress named Jan Bryant Bartell complained of hearing noises as well as experiencing visions and feelings of dread at number 16 West (next door). She then moved to number 14 West, but the sensations continued, and she believed it was the ghost of Mark Twain.

In 1987, wealthy attorney Joel Steinberg brutally beat his adopted daughter to death at number 14. The building has since been referred to as “The House of Death” by those who know of its haunting history.^[2]

8 The Campbell Apartment

A cocktail bar called the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal was once the office of financier John W. Campbell. Following his death in 1957, it became a small jail before it was sold once again. Since the location’s restoration, the historic architecture has been mixed with contemporary design elements and offers a cozy place to enjoy a drink close by the busy main terminal. However, the history of paranormal activity here also attracts many ghost hunters.

In 2010, owner Mark Grossich said, “Over the last several years, employees have had instances where they felt someone pushing them from behind when they were walking across the floor, and there was no one there. They’ve felt gusts of cold air coming from out of nowhere. My staff has even reported seeing apparitions of an old, fashionably dressed couple sitting and having a cocktail on the balcony when the place was completely closed.”^[3] He added that the ghostly goings-on are so frequent that many of his staff members refuse to be in the place on their own.

7 The Conference House

The Conference House on Staten Island was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966. On September 11, 1776, Lord William Howe, Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams all met here at a failed meeting over a peace treaty during the Revolutionary War.

In 1676, Christopher Billop, an English Royal Navy officer, acquired the land and built the Bentley Manor—which has since had its name changed to the Conference House. It is believed that Billop killed the maid of the manor by stabbing her on the staircase and then throwing her body down the stairs. His motive was that he’d discovered she was signaling to the enemy, and it’s said that her ghost still haunts the building. Another ghost that resides here is the spirit of Billop’s fiancee, who died of a broken heart when he abandoned her, and her cries can still be heard.^[4]

The building also sits on the largest Lenape burial ground in New York City, called Burial Ridge, which would explain a lot of the hauntings in this place.

6 The Lefferts-Laidlaw House

If the thought of hearing knocking on your door in the middle of the night—only to answer and see nobody is there—frightens you, then the Lefferts-Laidlaw House at 136 Clinton Avenue near the Brooklyn Navy Yard is one residence to avoid. In December 1878, then-owner Edward F. Smith heard knocking at his door and loud rattling of his windows, which continued through the night until he eventually called the police. As the police surrounded the building outside, a brick was thrown through the dining room window despite numerous police officers being at the property. After a search of the surrounding grounds, there was nobody else to be seen.

Many psychics have tried to understand what evil spirit haunts this place, and they hold “semi-seances” on the sidewalk outside the house, yet it all still remains a mystery. Built circa 1840, the temple-fronted Greek Revival-style mansion boasts six bedrooms and was last on the market in 2016 for $4.5 million.^[5]

5 85 West 3rd Street

Author Edgar Allan Poe is best known for his haunting Gothic stories, including “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Yet he might have gained inspiration for one of his most famous works, “The Raven,” during the time he spent living at 85 West 3rd Street. He lived at the address from 1844 to 1845, the same time the narrative poem was published, and according to those who have resided there recently, he hasn’t moved on.

The building was demolished by New York University and rebuilt as Furman Hall, yet some of the original features remain intact, such as the facade facing the front street and an original banister. Students living in the hall claim to have seen a mysterious ghost-like figure that stands near the banister and resembles the late Poe.^[6] In 1849, Poe died mysteriously at the age of 40 years old. He was found acting delirious in Baltimore, Maryland, and there has been much speculation surrounding his actual cause of death, with theories including alcohol poisoning, suicide, cholera, and even murder.

4 84 West 3rd Street

Across the street from Edgar Allan Poe’s former residence is a house with its own dark history. At 84 West 3rd Street, there is a former Fire Patrol station that was first built in 1906. Tragically, in 1930, a firefighter hanged himself in the building after discovering that his wife was having an affair. It’s believed that his heartbroken ghost haunts the building, and previous firefighters have complained about strange noises and also seeing the ghost suspended in the air—seemingly hanging from the rafters.^[7] The station has since been transformed into a private residence.

This certainly is one haunted street, as just a short walk down the road will take you to Hangman’s Elm, which is a large tree in Washington Square Park where public executions were once carried out. According to local legend, the last hanging that took place was in 1820, when a slave named Rose Butler was executed for burning down the home of her master.

3 The Manhattan Well Murder

Located in SoHo, the basement of the former Manhattan Bistro was the site of an infamous murder. One night in late December 1799, a young woman named Gulielma Elmore Sands was due to meet her lover Levi Weeks, as they had plans to elope. It was the last time anybody would see her alive. Then, 11 days later, her body was found in the basement’s well with bruises to her neck which suggested that she had been strangled.

Weeks was arrested and stood trial in what became known as the “Manhattan Well Murder,” but he was soon acquitted, thanks to his strong legal team. Since then, the well where the young woman’s body was found has attracted many ghost hunters and fans of morbid history alike. Maria DaGrossa, whose family ran the Manhattan Bistro, once noted, “People are constantly asking to come down here [to see the well].”^[8] After the bistro closed, the basement became the site of a clothing store.

2 12 Gay Street

Originally built in 1827, 12 Gay Street in the West Village is a three-story brick townhouse that doesn’t appear to have anything mysterious about it to an outsider looking in. However, the place is said to be haunted by a restless spirit that won’t keep quiet at night. A neighbor, who has lived on the same street for more than two decades, said, “I wouldn’t go in there right now—it’s legendary that ghosts live there. That place would be like moving into The Shining.”^[9]

Those who’ve entered the house claimed to have felt the sensation of others despite being alone, along with hearing footsteps on the stairs at night and seeing a man wearing a top hat appearing in doorways. There is also talk of a lot of paranormal activity in the basement, which was once used as a puppet theater by a previous owner. In 2009, the house was up for sale, and the new owners could guarantee their own real-life Stephen King experience for the asking price of $4.2 million.

1 57 West 57th Street

There have been many cases of haunted houses, but at 57 West 57th Street, it’s a haunted penthouse that sends shivers down the spines of those who visit there. According to local legend, those who took up residence in the penthouse would soon go insane and even turn to murder. Edna Crawford Champion was the wife of an inventor until her French lover, Charles Brazelle, beat him to death. After she lied to the police and led them to believe that her husband had suffered a heart attack, she bought the penthouse as a love nest. Then, one night, Charles turned on Edna and beat her to death with a telephone—her bodyguards then responded by fatally throwing him out a window.

The apartment was eventually sold to a man named Carlton Alsops, who became tormented by the sounds of high heels tapping across the floor, which caused him so much distress that his marriage eventually broke down. Alsops ended up in a mental asylum and gave up on the apartment completely.^[10] It’s likely that the apartment’s current residents have also heard, or have been warned, of the penthouse’s past.

Cheish Merryweather is a true crime fan and an oddities fanatic. Can either be found at house parties telling everyone Charles Manson was only 5’2″ or at home reading true crime magazines.
Twitter: @thecheish

New York City: the home of gritty, groundbreaking, independent film. Unlike Los Angeles, New York offers filmmakers more artistic freedom with their work. Here, they are not bound by the pressure from major Hollywood studios; and while budgets may be lower, the results of financial restraints are often rewarding. Many hip, young directors draw inspiration from this exhilarating, fast-paced city and use it as the backdrop for some of the most nightmarish and anxiety-inducing films ever made.

10 Nightmares Lurking Just Behind History

10 Requiem For A Dream

This 2000 psychological drama from director Darrren Aronofsky doesn’t hold back in its portrayal of the devastating consequences of addiction. Featuring standout performances from Jennifer Conelley, Jared Leto, Ellen Burnstyn, and Marlon Wayans, this modern day fable follows four addicts living on Coney Island whose lives spiral out of control as they will stop at nothing to get their fix. This film is an examination of just how strong a hold drugs and other stimuli have on those who fall prey to their allure.

The late, great Roger Ebert described Aronofsky’s ability to portray the various mental states of his addicts as “fascinating.” Of the movie’s “worthless” NC-17 rating he said, “Anyone under 17 who is thinking of experimenting with drugs might want to see this movie, which pays like a travelogue of hell.”^[1]

9 Rosemary’s Baby

Groundbreaking for its time, this 1968 psychological horror film written and directed by Roman Polanski is a haunting chronicle of a woman’s pregnancy. Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and Guy (John Cassavetes) are a young couple who have just moved into their first apartment in New York City. Before long, Rosemary becomes pregnant. Alone and confined to their apartment, she becomes increasingly skeptical of an elderly couple living next door. As Rosemary’s paranoia grows, she becomes convinced that they are part of an evil cult that wants to take away her baby and use it for their rituals.

Polanski’s screenplay was based on Ira Levin’s 1967 novel of the same name. In 1980, a “quiet, pensive, and insecure” Levin said of his childhood horror inspirations, “I don’t recall being scared at all. Now, I’m terrified,” according to a Vanity Fair article calling Rosemary’s Baby “the most cursed hit movie ever made.”^[2]

8 The Devil’s Advocate

Keanu Reeves stars as Kevin Lomax in this supernatural thriller/horror film from 1997, directed by Taylor Hackford. Kevin is a defense lawyer living in Florida with his wife, Mary Ann (Charlize Theron). The couple relocate to New York City after Kevin is offered a high-paying job at a law firm, led by the charismatic John Milton (Al Pacino).

While Kevin is swept up with work and indulges in the many perks of the job, Mary Ann starts to experience frightening visions and begins to unravel. As his wife’s mental health deteriorates, Kevin realizes that his boss may, in fact, be satan, himself.

Fun Fact: Donald Trump’s private apartment at Trump Tower–featuring gold decor and a view of Central Park–was used as the home of Kevin’s client, Alex Cullen (Craig T. Nelson).^[3]

7 Fatal Attraction

Adrian Lyne’s iconic 1987 thriller is a tale of love, lust, and obsession. Dan (Michael Douglas) is a happily married Manhattan lawyer, living and working in New York City while raising a daughter with his wife Beth (Anne Archer). Everything changes when Dan meets Alex (Glenn Close), an editor for a publishing company. The two have a casual weekend affair while Dan’s wife and daughter are out of town. Alex, however, wants more than just a fling and manipulates Dan into spending more time with her.

When his family returns, Dan stops spending time with Alex, who has become obsessed with him. Dan makes it clear that he does not wish to continue the affair, but Alex refuses to accept that. She becomes increasingly aggressive and begins to stalk him and harass his family. As her behavior escalates, Dan realizes that his top priority is no longer to try and hide the affair but to protect his family whose safety is now at risk.

Producer Sherry Lansing wanted Barbara Hershey for the role of Alex, but Hershey was unavailable. Also on Lansing’s wishlist were Melanie Griffith, Jessica Lange, Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon, and Debra Winger.^[4]

6 Dressed To Kill

This 1980 neo-noir slasher film was written and directed by Brian De Palma. New York City prostitute Liz (Nancy Allen) witnesses the brutal murder of housewife Kate (Angie Dickinson). While the police suspect Liz to be the murderer, the true killer seeks to kill Liz, as she is the only witness to the crime. Kate’s son is the only one who believes Liz, and the two of them team up to uncover the truth about his mother’s murder.

Making the film in the city was “pretty terrific” for De Palma, who’s from New York. “It’s so amazing to shoot all over the city and in different places. Of course, they did the interior of the museum in Philadelphia, but the film was shot in New York, so that was really cool.”^[5]

10 People Who Survived Your Worst Nightmares

5 American Psycho

Christian Bale is Patrick Bateman in this 2000 black comedy psychological horror film co-written and directed by Mary Harron. A handsome, young New York City investment banker by day, Patrick’s life revolves around maintaining his appearance and social status and striving endlessly to be the most respected among his coworkers. By night, however, Patrick indulges in his sinister desire to torture, kill, and sometimes even consume any helpless victim who may be unfortunate enough to cross his path.

What starts out as the portrait of the day-to-day life of a narcissistic serial killer turns out to be a psychological whirlwind as reality begins to blur, and Patrick attempts to cover up his tracks that may or may not have even been left behind in the first place.

Because the studio thought Bale might not be famous enough to play Bateman, there was a moment where it looked like American Psycho would become an Oliver Stone film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. But activist Gloria Steinem reportedly steered DiCaprio away from the project to protect his Titanic appeal among young female fans. In a weird turn of events, Steinem married David Bale five months after the release of American Psycho and became Bale’s stepmother!^[6]

4 Eyes Wide Shut

1999’s Eyes Wide Shut was the last film ever made by Stanley Kubric, one of the most renowned directors in cinematic history. This erotic mystery psychological thriller tells the story of upperclass New York City couple Bill (Tom Cruise) and Alice (Nicole Kidman) Hartford. Bill is a medical doctor, and Alice is a stay-at-home mom to their daughter. One night, after smoking some weed, Alice tells Bill that she once had sexual fantasies about a man that were so strong, she would have abandoned their family.

This revelation sparks something in Bill, who had previously claimed to have never been the jealous type. Bill is tormented by this information, obsessively visualizing the scenario in his head. He embarks on a late-night adventure through New York City where he attends a masked party of a secret society. The next day, after returning to his normal life, he discovers that a woman whom he met at the party has been found dead.

“Life goes on,” one character says cynically. “It always does until it doesn’t.” Kubrick died four days after completing the film.^[7]

3 Black Swan

Darren Aronofsky’s iconic psychological horror film from 2010 is a nonstop roller coaster ride that never lets up. Every aspect of this film showcases impeccable writing, filmmaking, and performances across the board. Natalie Portman stars as Nina Sayers, a dancer at a New York City ballet company who still lives at home with her overbearing mother, played by Barbara Hershey. The innocent and naive Nina is elated when the company’s artistic director Tomas (Vincent Cassel) chooses her to play the highly coveted role of the Swan Queen in the company’s upcoming production of Swan Lake.

The role of the Swan Queen, however, requires the dancer to portray both the virginal White Swan, which Nina perfectly embodies, and the evil, sensual Black Swan, for which fellow dancer Lily (Mila Kunis) is more suitable. As a rivalry emerges between the dancers, the competition and pressure to not only keep her role but to give a perfect performance sends Nina on a downward spiral of self-destruction into madness.

Aronofsky had considered combining ballet into the plot of The Wrestler, making it the story of a love affair between a wrestler (the epitome of “low art”) and a ballerina (the epitome of “high art”). But the director realized that wrestling and ballet were too big for just one film.^[8]

2 Jacob’s Ladder

This 1990 psychological horror film was directed by Adrian Lyne. War veteran, Jacob (Tim Robbins), awakens in a New York City subway after returning home from Vietnam. He is now working as a postal clerk and living in brooklyn with his girlfriend.

Jacob is mourning his old life and the death of his child while simultaneously experiencing vivid flashbacks and hallucinations. His world starts to fall apart around him as people and things begin to morph into the most disturbing and horrific images.

Lyne considered several big stars to play the leading character. Richard Gere, Dustin Hoffman, and Al Pacino were all interested in the role. Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke each turned it down.^[9]

1 Taxi Driver

Robert De Niro stars as Travis Bickle in this 1976 psychological drama, directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Shrader. Travis is a loner and insomniac who works nights as a New York City cab driver. After meeting a campaign worker named Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), Travis hatches a plot to kill a presidential candidate. Narrowly escaping a campaign event, to which he brought a gun, Travis then turns his attention to a 12-year-old prostitute named Iris (Jodie Foster), whom he feels obligated to save.

Fun Fact: Since Foster was only 12 years old during filming, she was not permitted to participate in the most explicit scenes. Her old sister Connie, who was 19, agreed to be Jodie’s body double.^[10]

10 Real Places Straight Out Of A Nightmare

New York. They call it the Big Apple because of racing. It was the big city with the big prizes and stable hands in New Orleans called it the Big Apple because of it. A New York reporter overheard this and liked it. He started using it in his racing beat articles and the name stuck. It’s just one of the many obscure facts that New York can lay claim to. There are plenty of others, too. 

10. New York Paid More for Central Park Than America Paid for Alaska

One of New York’s biggest landmarks is Central Park. People in other countries who have never been to New York recognize it right away thanks to all the movies and TV shows that have shown the world what it looks like.

Every year, 42 million people visit the massive 843 acre park. It was originally designed to give New York a swanky park like high class European cities while also conveniently raising property values nearby. The park itself is full of rocks so it had little value in a development sense. It was considered impossible to dynamite, so instead it became a park.

The cost for the park was staggering. Buying all 842 acres cost $7.4 million back in 1853. About 20,000 engineers, builders and others were involved in its construction. By 1876 it was done and the cost was $14 million. Adjusted for inflation, that’s over $400 million.

Compare the price of the park to what America paid Russia for the state of Alaska. In 1867, while Central Park was still being built, the US paid the relatively small amount of $7.2 million for Alaska. 

9. NYC Has More Trees Than Any Other American City Has People

Speaking of Central Park, it’s ensured New York can lay claim to another record, too. There are more trees in New York City than there are people in any other American City. There are 5.2 million trees inside New York City. Trunk to trunk in a single file line they’d span a total of 118 miles.

New York itself has a population of nearly 9 million people, but it doesn’t count since New York is what we’re talking about. The next most populous city in America is Los Angeles with just around 4 million. Keep in mind that’s Los Angeles proper, not the metro area which is much larger. But, on a per city basis, the trees in New York still win out. 

8. NYC has a Higher Population Than Most States

While we are talking about populations, it’s worth appreciating just how massive New York City really is. New York City has a higher population than most of the other states in America. The US Census says that New York City has a population of about 8.3 million.

Only 12 states in the country have a population above 8.3 million. Obviously, New York state has to be one of those. California is the number one state with nearly 40 million. Texas and Florida are both over 20 million. America’s 13th most populous state is Washington, which has a population of 7.8 million. That means that it is dwarfed by New York City, as is every other state in the Union.

That also means that New York City has a higher population than over 100 countries around the world. Denmark has a population of 5.9 million. Laos is 7.6 million. At just over 2.7 million residents, you can fit Qatar’s population into NYC three times over. 

7. NYC Has More Skyscrapers Than Numerous Countries

The New York skyline is pretty famous thanks to film and TV. Downtown Manhattan has been featured in many movies, and the skyscraper-filled vista is a ubiquitous scene in any show that takes place in the city.

New York is no longer the city with the most skyscrapers in the world Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China both have more. But New York still has 314 buildings over 150 meters or 492 feet. It also has 16 that are more than double that height. 

If you were going to rank all the countries in the world based on their number of skyscrapers, and you include New York City in that ranking, New York City is still third. China takes the number one spot with the most skyscrapers. The United States ranks second. And then New York City would rank third all by itself. New York has about 24 more skyscrapers than its nearest competitor, which is Japan.

Details on exact numbers are a little sketchy but by some estimates it seems like NYC actually has more skyscrapers than the entire continent of Europe. 

6. NYC’s GDP is Bigger Than Many Countries Including Canada

So by now we know that New York City is really big. There are different ways to measure bigness when it comes to cities and countries, however. One of the most influential statistics to look at is GDP. Just how much money is a place making, relative to everywhere else? Once again, New York City is putting up impressive numbers.

New York City has a nominal GDP of $1.7 trillion. If New York City was its own country, it would have the 13th largest economy in the entire world. New York is relatively on par with Canada, and has been so since at least 2017. The latest data has Canada just ever so slightly above New York City in terms of GDP. 

5. There Are Almost No Alleys in Manhattan

Remember that scene in the first Tobey Maguire Spider-Man, when he’s hanging upside down in an alley and he kisses Mary Jane for the first time? It’s an iconic scene that probably could have never happened in real life not just for, you know, reality sake. It’s geographically unlikely. New York, despite what decades of movies have taught the rest of us, has almost no alleys.

The vast majority of New York alley scenes are filmed in the same alley, called Cortlandt Alley, because it’s one of the few ones available. It has the dark and dingy appeal of a New York alley as created by movies because it literally is the dark and dingy alley created by movies. 

Most of Manhattan follows the 1811 street grid which maximizes real estate. Buildings were designed and constructed as blocks with no gaps between. The very few alleys that exist in Manhattan are relics from before that, which are few and far between. 

4. There are No Walmarts in New York City

There are 4,616 Walmart stores in America. There are few places you can go and not find one nearby. That said, one place you will absolutely not find them is in New York City where not a single Walmart exists.

The company spent years trying to establish itself in larger cities but New York was not budging. Unions were at the forefront of the fight to keep the company out of the city. Most stores in New York are unionized, and the unions had no interest in Walmart trying to horn in and put those companies out of business with the introduction of stores paying lower wages to non-unionized employees.

Even 10 years after it seemed to give up wanting to take New York, Walmart was still hitting walls as NYC officials pointed out the company simply has a bad reputation and no one wanted it there, even as new Target stores were opening. 

3. NYC Has Some of the Cleanest Tap Water in America

New York has long had a strange reputational dichotomy. It’s the big, glitzy center of capitalism with Wall Street and skyscrapers and glamorous people. But it’s also a crime-addled, filthy city full of trash and rats. Somehow, no one had a problem with the contradiction. It can be two things, after all. And, flying in the face of that reputation as a dirty city, New York is actually well known for having incredibly clean tap water. 

In 2019, New York City’s tap water was called the cleanest in the state. It also routinely ranks as the best tasting tap water. This is all thanks to decisions made over 50 years ago about how to supply water to the city. While some wanted to use the notoriously disgusting and polluted Hudson River as a cheap source, it was rejected. Instead, water from further upstates in the Catskill Mountains has been pumped in from fresh, unpolluted aquifers. The water needs far less pollution treatment and is far more clean and tasty as a result. 

People have long questioned why this particular water tastes so good and it could be anything from the minerals to just the perception people have. But, on the other hand, there’s also the possibility that it’s all the microscopic shrimp that live in the water. 

2. After Uber Came to New York, Drunk Driving Accidents Dropped by Over 25%

Uber is known the world over these days and not always for the best reasons. The company has been on the receiving end of many complaints from the way it treats its drivers to egregious safety concerns from passengers. But not everything from Uber is always bad news.

When Uber came to New York, it made a noticeable difference. The results were not repeated everywhere but, in the Big Apple, Uber has been cited as a cause for a 25% to 35% drop in drunk driving accidents. 

A 2017 study showed the drop in accidents had occurred since 2011, when Uber came to New York. That meant about 40 fewer accidents a month. The data seems to only align with New York, however. Across 100 cities there was nothing much to support a noticeable drop in accidents. 

Even taken city by city, results were mixed. Crashes in Portland and San Antonio decreased but not in Reno. So there may be other factors at play that are harder to account for but at least New York is reaping the rewards. 

1. New York Buildings Over 6 Stories All Need Water Towers

If you have never been to New York, you may not have noticed this curious phenomenon that relates to building size. That said, even if you haven’t visited you have probably seen movies in which someone is on a New York rooftop alongside one of those big, wooden water towers. You may have even wondered by, in this modern day and age, those things still exist. 

To start with, the vast majority of apartment buildings in New York are six stories. The reason for this relates to why so many other buildings have wooden water towers on the roof. Those towers aren’t dusty relics, they are used every day. That’s because of how New York sits on the water table. The city is built on shallow rock and electric pumps can’t be used to provide water pressure.

Above six stories, it’s too difficult for pipes to get water up to more apartments due to this lack of pressure. Larger buildings use water towers to supply water to the buildings. Residents bathe in this water and drink from it every day. 

Most people think the water towers are antiques because even new ones look old. They have to be made with untreated wood to not taint the water so they have that rustic appearance no matter the age. Each one holds 5,000 to 10,000 gallons include reserve water to fight fires if needed.

For most of us, the words “stop the presses” bring to mind a familiar scene. The papers are rolling through the printers when breaking news hits and someone shouts out the infamous phrase, halting all production.

Hollywood, of course, is to blame for this. The real-world equivalent is less dramatic and a rare occurrence. However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a frantic event for the men and women working to publish your paper.

The deadline for all New York Times articles is 11:00 PM. Every weeknight, the plant will print more than 300,000 copies, double that on weekends, just for New York alone. Then the papers have to be loaded onto dozens of trucks by 3:25 AM and shipped. So, if “stop the presses” is called, it’d better be for a good reason.

10 Muhammad Ali’s Death
June 3, 2016

It’s hard to think of boxing without Muhammad Ali immediately coming to mind. He was easily one of the greatest boxers of all time. From his famous quote—“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, the hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see”—to his taunting skills that could make Tupac and Biggie Smalls blush, Ali was and still is an icon of the sport. So, it comes as no surprise that many grieved over the death of one of the greats.

When it was announced that Ali was on life support, the Times began preparations for the following news day. They worked toward getting all the information out there, including a follow-up in the case of his death. At 12:20 AM on June 4, 2016, there was an announcement on Twitter that Ali had died.

A text was sent: “NBC reporting he’s dead.” After confirmation from the family, a news alert was sent out at 12:44 AM and the presses were stopped. The digital news team quickly went to work to publish the obituary and a compilation of Ali’s quotes online. At 1:51 AM, the pressroom had the presses replated and restarted.^[1]

9 New York’s Same-Sex Marriage Law
June 24, 2011

No matter where you stand on same-sex marriage, it is a big issue throughout the world. It has been a topic of debate since the 1970s, but it wasn’t until 2000 that Vermont became the first state in the US to grant the full benefits of marriage to same-sex couples.

In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Two years later, the Vatican stepped in to give their opinion on the subject by campaigning against it. Even though some states had legalized gay marriage by this point, it wasn’t until 2004 that the first legal gay marriage took place in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The debate for New York to legalize same-sex marriage had been fought for years. The state and even some senators switched their views back and forth. In June 2011, after days of discussion, The New York Times was waiting to hear what to report.

It wasn’t until June 24 that a decision was finally made after a closed-door, nine-hour debate. The bill was approved by a 33–29 vote. At 10:30 PM, the vote was announced publicly. Finally, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed the measure at 11:55 PM, giving the rights to gay couples and a headline for the Times.^[2]

8 The Killing Of Osama Bin Laden
May 1, 2011

Osama bin Laden and “terrorist” became synonymous after the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. It was a heinous act against the US and will go down in infamy. Of course, the man behind this act of terrorism was Osama bin Laden. He was the founder and first leader of Al-Qaeda. It wasn’t until almost 10 years later that the man was finally brought to justice by Robert J. O’Neill of SEAL Team Six.

On May 1, 2011, it was announced that US President Barack Obama would address the nation at 10:30 PM Eastern Time. The nation’s television anchors and news editors had no idea what was coming. At 10:45 PM, Obama still had not addressed the public. However, the news was already circulating on the Internet via Twitter. It was at that time that ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz reported: “We’re hearing absolute jubilation throughout the government.”

After many delays, at 11:35 PM, President Obama stated that “justice had been done” and confirmed the death of one of the most wanted men in the world. After the speech was made just before midnight, The New York Times stopped the presses to change the front page to feature the announcement.^[3]

Most sources cite bin Laden’s date of death as May 2, 2011. Time zone differences account for the discrepancy. Bin Laden was killed on May 2, 2011, in Abbottabad, Pakistan, but the time was around mid-afternoon on May 1 in the US.

7 The Death Of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist
September 3, 2005

William H. Rehnquist was appointed to the US Supreme Court in 1971. In 1986, he became the new chief justice and remained so until his death in 2005.

Throughout his many years on the Supreme Court, he earned the nickname “the Lone Ranger” for sticking with what he believed in and voting that way. He voted against the legalization of abortions and school desegregation. He was in favor of school prayer, states’ rights, and capital punishment. One of his most notable decisions was ending the 2000 Florida recount by voting with the 5–4 majority and giving the presidential election to George W. Bush.

On October 26, 2004, Rehnquist announced that he had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He battled the disease right up to the very end. He refused to resign from office and stayed there until his death on September 3, 2005. Although his death was expected, the Times was late on their deadline, having received the information at 11:20 PM.^[4]

6 The Presidential Election, Part 1
November 7, 2000

Speaking of the Florida recount, that election night was one to remember, especially for The New York Times. It was between Republican candidate George W. Bush and Democratic candidate Al Gore. Surprisingly enough, a significant third-party candidate, Ralph Nader, was also present.

As the night went on, the votes in more states were counted. It wasn’t until they got to Florida that things got hairy. It seemed as though George W. Bush would be the next president as the votes were counted in the Sunshine State.

At 2:15 AM, the Times learned that Al Gore was preparing to make his speech to concede the race. The presses were stopped to print a new headline: “Bush Appears to Defeat Gore.” Just as the pages were sent off to the printers, the Times found out that Gore had been told to hold off on his speech. The race was not yet over.^[5]

5 The Presidential Election, Part 2
November 7, 2000

It seemed that Gore was going to win the popular vote. So, a second “stop the presses” was called.^[6]

After a recount, Bush won Florida’s electoral votes. The continuing recount dispute was stopped by the US Supreme Court when they issued their ruling on December 12, 2000, to permit the previous vote certification to stand. Bush won.

The recount in Florida was so controversial that it led many Americans to support alternative voting systems. This was also the fourth time in US history that a president had been elected without winning the popular vote.

4 The Trans World Airlines Flight 800 Crash
July 17, 1996

Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight 800 was going to Paris from New York when it crashed off the Long Island coast at 8:40 PM, just minutes after takeoff. There were no survivors out of the 229 people aboard.

The explosion was seen by many witnesses that night. Some stated that they even felt a tremor as the plane hit, and others reported seeing bodies floating in the water. The fireball was so immense that it could be seen from 16 kilometers (10 mi) away.

This was clearly a tragedy for the families of the people aboard, and an explanation was needed as to what could have happened. At the time, it was speculated that it was a terrorist attack because of the explosion on board.

It was later determined that a blown circuit had ignited the fuel in the plane. After the announcement of the crash was reported, the Times ordered a “stop the presses” to print the new headline.^[7]

3 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s Death
May 19, 1994

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was remembered as the “First Lady of Camelot.” The social event of the year was her wedding to the future President John F. Kennedy (JFK). Jackie was also very talented in many aspects of life. She was multilingual, speaking Spanish, French, Italian, and Polish. Although she was not an actress, she has her own IMBD page showing off the Emmy she won for “A Tour of the White House.”

Tragically, her husband was killed in one of the most famous assassinations in the world. JFK was shot dead in downtown Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Jackie was seated next to him and wore the famous pink dress, covered in blood, to the swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson. It is regarded as one of the most iconic artifacts from the assassination.

In 1993, while on a Caribbean cruise around Christmas, she developed a cough and swollen lymph nodes in her neck. She was flown to her doctor in Manhattan. After X-rays and biopsies were taken, it was discovered that she had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The first course of chemotherapy seemed to bring her cancer into remission in early January 1994. Sadly, it was discovered in April that her cancer had spread to her brain and spinal cord.

According to her wishes, on May 18, 1994, she went home from the hospital and died in her sleep that night at 10:15 PM. She was 64 years old. The announcement by her son, John F. Kennedy Jr., caused the nation to mourn and the Times to rush to change their headline.^[8]

2 President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Televised Speech
March 31, 1968

After the tragic assassination of JFK, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in. Something like this had happened in the past but never so late in a president’s term. It was a challenge for Johnson to assume the office of president and run for reelection in the same year. Within months of being sworn in, Johnson addressed Congress and asked them to honor JFK by passing a civil rights bill. In 1964, he signed the Civil Rights Act.^[9]

As Johnson had assumed the presidency so late in Kennedy’s term, he was eligible to seek nomination again for another full term. On March 31, 1968, Johnson addressed the nation on television at 9:00 PM. The Times had the papers rolling through the presses. It was assumed that he would run again.

His speech was even given to the Times at 8:00 PM. But to the shock of the nation and the newspaper, Johnson announced that he would not pursue another term. It was time once again to “stop the presses.”

1 Dewey Defeats Truman
November 3, 1948

The most famous headline blunder has to be the Chicago Daily Tribune‘s “Dewey Defeats Truman.” The picture can be seen of Harry S. Truman holding the newspaper two days after it was announced that he had beaten his opponent, Thomas Dewey, by a substantial Electoral College margin of 303 to 189 in the 1948 US presidential election.

On his way back to Washington, DC, Truman’s train stopped in St. Louis, Missouri, where someone handed him a two-day-old copy of the Chicago Daily Tribune. This may have been a massive blooper for the Tribune, but they were not the only ones convinced that their headline would be accurate.

It seemed that Dewey was going to win by a landslide. At 11:00 PM on election night, every paper was convinced of Dewey’s victory. However, at 3:00 AM on November 3, it looked as though that landslide victory was not the case. They had to push the “Truman Wins” paper instead.^[10]

The main election story for the Times was written at 8:30 AM on November 3, the day after the election. This saved The New York Times from making the same mistake as the Chicago Daily Tribune.

Dane is an author and freelance writer living in Indiana.

New York City’s modernity makes it difficult to imagine a time when it was anything but a land of skyscrapers, subways, and gridlock. But its origins are indeed humble. To properly explore the city’s roots, one must start with its nexus: Lower Manhattan.

NYC was built from the southern tip up. A walking tour of Lower Manhattan is refreshingly rambling as its narrow streets predate the grid system imposed on the remainder of the island starting in the early 1800s. Consider the following a best-of history guide for the next time you’re in the Big Apple.

10 Fascinating Facts About New York City

10 Collect Pond

The area currently occupied by Chinatown’s Columbus Park sits atop what was once Lower Manhattan’s primary source of fresh water: the (eventually) aptly named Collect Pond.

Before the Europeans, the Lenape Native Americans had a settlement along its shoreline. In the 1540s, the French established a fortified trading post on one of its lush islands. Starting in the early 18th century, the British used the pond alternately as a summer picnic spot and a winter skating rink.

Around this time, however, Collect Pond took a turn for the . . . well, gross. A number of tanneries moved into the area. (Mulberry Street, which overlooked the pond, became known as “Slaughterhouse Street.”) By the 1800s, Collect Pond had collected enough waste that it was deemed “a very sink and common sewer.”^[1]

In 1807, the city started construction on a canal—modern-day Canal Street—that would funnel the polluted water into the Hudson River. A hasty drainage job left a marshy, mosquito-ridden landfill upon which wealthy slumlords built tenements for the poor, including many newly arriving immigrants.

9 The Five Points Slums

Built partially on land filled in over fetid Collect Pond and famously depicted in Martin Scorsese’s epic 2002 film Gangs of New York, The Five Points was loosely bound by Centre Street to the west, the Bowery to the east, Canal Street to the north, and Park Row to the south.

The neighborhood’s name derives from a starlike confluence of two crossing streets and a third that terminates at their intersection, forming “points.” Those thoroughfares were Anthony Street (now Worth), Cross Street (now Mosco), and Orange Street (now Baxter). This guide^[2] shows its approximate location today.

The Five Points was the filthiest, most congested district in an already flighty, overcrowded Lower Manhattan. Living conditions were crammed and squalid. Shoddily constructed tenements on unstable, poorly drained ground quickly became dilapidated.

The unsanitary, overpopulated conditions became breeding grounds for cholera, tuberculosis, typhus, malaria, and yellow fever. Worse, the problem fed upon itself as hundreds of thousands of overwhelmingly poor immigrants poured into New York annually, providing slumlords with a steady stream of desperate souls to exploit.

Crime, organized and otherwise, was rampant. For most of the 19th century, The Five Points is alleged to have had the highest murder rate of any slum in the world. Prostitution and gambling reigned, including the gentlemanly sport of rat fighting.

The Five Points and adjacent Lower East Side served as the backdrop for James Riis’s mesmerizing 1890 book How the Other Half Lives, which paved the way for safety, sanitation, and economic reforms throughout Lower Manhattan.

8 Castle Clinton

Before Ellis Island, there was Castle Clinton, the nation’s first official immigration processing center. The castle was first constructed due to the growing tensions between the United States and Britain in the early 19th century. The 28-cannon fort, which was garrisoned but never saw action during the ensuing War of 1812, occupied what was then an artificial island off Manhattan’s southern tip.

The locale has a dark legacy. After the Lenape Native Americans refused to pay Dutch settlers taxes in the 1640s, the governor decided that a fitting penalty was slaughtering every man, woman, and child . . . and decorating Castle Clinton’s predecessor, Fort Amsterdam, with their heads.^[3]

The castle received its current name in 1815 in honor of outgoing NYC Mayor DeWitt Clinton. Upon becoming state governor, he led the effort to build the Erie Canal, a 584-kilometer (363 mi) engineering marvel connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via New York’s Hudson River.

No longer a military necessity, Castle Clinton became, in turn, a beer garden, exhibition hall, opera house, and theater before transitioning to an immigration center in 1855. It remained in this role until 1890. Then the immigration center was moved to Ellis Island.

True to the Castle Clinton’s Lower Manhattan roots, many immigrants were cheated out of their possessions by corrupt workers, and some even died awaiting entry into the US. Its island now filled in and connected to the mainland, Clinton Castle still stands today at the southern endpoint of (what else) Bridge Street. Tours are readily available.

7 Fraunces Tavern

Up for a pint? Duck into the oldest bar in New York City: Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl Street.

Constructed in 1719, the watering hole carries the name of Samuel Fraunces, who operated the establishment as the Queen’s Head Tavern during the 18th century. During the Revolutionary War, Fraunces and his tavern were part of a spy ring undermining the British occupation of New York. (The British held New York for nearly the entire war, necessitating an intricate web of espionage and sabotage terrifically depicted in the TV series TURN: Washington’s Spies.)

Following the cessation of hostilities, George Washington held a farewell party at the tavern for high-ranking Continental Army officers. The joint also undoubtedly had its share of revelers on November 25, 1783, when the British formally departed the former colonies from nearby Evacuation Day Plaza.

In 1789, Fraunces became newly inaugurated President George Washington’s first chief steward, overseeing the head of state’s household affairs. Fraunces died in 1795 while Washington was still in office.

In recent years, Fraunces has become the center of a new controversy: his race. After being portrayed as white for centuries, many historians now believe he was a (free) black man.^[4]

In addition to operating as a bar and restaurant, Fraunces Tavern now features a museum dedicated to Lower Manhattan’s Revolutionary War era.

6 The African Slave Trade And Burial Grounds

Although slavery is typically more associated with the US South, New York City was the second-largest slave-owning city in the British colonies in America in the mid-18th century. (Charleston, South Carolina, was the biggest.)

Ironically (and tragically), most of the macabre buying and selling of human beings transpired at a street now synonymous with commerce: Wall Street. At 74 Wall Street, a 42-story building housing luxury condominiums rests over what was once New York’s primary slave market.

The “peculiar institution’s” history in New York is as old as the city itself. The first slaves arrived in New Amsterdam in 1626, just two years after the Dutch settled there. Slave labor was instrumental in building defensive structures for the small, vulnerable European population—including the wall for which the modern street is named.^[5]

Today, the only remaining evidence of the slave market is a plaque erected in 2015. However, nearby is the African Burial Ground Memorial, the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for persons of African origin. Unsurprisingly, blacks were not permitted to be buried in cemeteries alongside whites. Deceased African Americans, both free and enslaved, were relegated to mass gravesites.

The memorial sits atop a site that went undiscovered until 1989, when preconstruction activities for a federal office tower found some 15,000 skeletons dating from the 1630s through the 1790s. Slavery was not outlawed in New York State until 1827.

10 Eerie Tales Surrounding Places Where Tragedies Took Place

5 City Hall Park

The grassy grounds surrounding New York’s City Hall represent perhaps the only sizable patch of land in Lower Manhattan never to be fully developed. The original Dutch settlers used the area as a public commons. The space took a darker turn when the British seized the colony in 1664 and hosted public executions.^[6]

More death and despair followed. In 1775, the British began work on a prison named Bridewell. Soon, the American Revolution broke out in full force, giving the redcoats more pressing priorities than proper penitentiaries. The unfinished building—which even lacked windowpanes to protect from bitter cold winters—was a pit of suffering and death for hundreds of POWs until the war’s conclusion.

In the years immediately preceding the war, the grounds became a popular spot for “Liberty poles,” erected to inspire insurrectionist spirits and often to signal covert conventions of anti-British conspirators. An 18th-century game of whack-a-mole ensued, with pro-independence groups like the Sons of Liberty putting poles up as fast as British soldiers could chop them down.

The poles were figurative lightning rods that made bloody confrontation inevitable. In January 1770, British soldiers were attacked mid-removal by patriots. The subsequent skirmish on nearby Golden Hill, which preceded the Boston Massacre by several weeks, is where modern-day Gold Street gets its name.

Along with a stone plaque, a 20-meter-tall (66 ft) replica of the sawed-off liberty pole was installed in 1921.

4 The Catacombs At Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The most famous burial ground in Lower Manhattan is undoubtedly the graveyard at Trinity Church at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway. The cramped site is the final resting place of several famous figures, most notably Alexander Hamilton.

However, another gravesite offers a much more immersive experience. At Old St. Patrick’s Church in modern-day SoHo—far humbler confines than the current polished behemoth in Midtown—visitors can tour catacombs where the city’s wealthier Catholic residents sealed themselves for all eternity.^[7]

Both the catacombs and the high wall in the adjacent church graveyard were intended to prevent something widespread in 19th-century Lower Manhattan: grave robbing. Understandably, avoiding post-death looting took some, well, loot, a price point that limited the catacombs to especially prominent New Yorkers. Several members of the Delmonico restaurant family are there, as is the man credited with bringing opera to NYC.

One interment of interest is Thomas Eckert, who served in several capacities, including presidential bodyguard, in the administration of Abraham Lincoln. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln wanted Eckert for exactly that role while he took in a play at a Washington, DC, theater. Unfortunately, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton refused permission for Eckert to go.

Allegedly, Stanton claimed that he had an important task for Eckert that night. Controversy remains about the real reason Eckert wasn’t guarding Lincoln’s viewing box when John Wilkes Booth assassinated Lincoln later that night.

3 Mob Hit Hunting In Little Italy

Despite being a shell of its former self—its footprint has been severely compacted by Chinatown from the south and Nolita from the north, and its restaurants are now mostly tourist traps—Little Italy is still a great place to see where some high-profile mafiosi got whacked.

At the famed Umberto’s Clam House at 132 Mulberry Street, Colombo crime family hit man Crazy Joe Gallo was enjoying dinner with his family, including his 10-year-old daughter. The date was April 7, 1972—Gallo’s birthday.

Sometime during his second helping of shrimp and scungilli (not a bad choice for a last meal), gunmen entered the restaurant and opened fire. The shooting marked the first time a mobster was murdered in front of his family, so he must have made someone really mad.

Another high-profile murder took place in the late 1930s at the site of the former ‘O Sole Mio restaurant, also on Mulberry Street. The grisly photo of an unidentified mob hit victim sprawled out on the street made headlines across New York. Unfortunately, the site now houses a tacky souvenir shop selling “I Heart NY” T-shirts to clueless tourists.^[8]

Slightly outside the boundary of Lower Manhattan, the Museum of the American Gangster at 80 St. Mark’s Place offers a deep dive into mob history.

2 The City’s Oldest Sites

New York is a city where the only thing constant is change. In fact, only one structure remains from the 1600s (its first century of European inhabitation): a cemetery. Coincidentally, it is the final resting place of the city’s first Jewish settlers.

In modern-day Chinatown, the site holds 107 graves with headstones that have remained surprisingly legible. The cemetery was used at least through the American Revolution as it includes the remains of several fallen soldiers.

The oldest surviving building is the aforementioned Fraunces Tavern, but many historians discount this distinction due to its series of renovations. The title of oldest original building goes to St. Paul’s Chapel, which dates to 1764. The house of worship includes a pew where George Washington prayed on the day of his presidential inauguration.

Nearby, the Edward Mooney House was completed in 1789 and has served as a private residence, hotel, brothel, and saloon over its long history. At the turn of the 20th century, it was headquarters to an odd bloke named Chuck Connors, the self-proclaimed “mayor of Chinatown.”

He led voyeuristic whites on slumming tours through the rowdy Bowery bars and Chinese opium dens. Notably, Connors once helped future legendary songwriter Irving Berlin get a waiting gig at a local restaurant.

Today, the Chinese characters adorning the building’s second-floor facade showcase the staying power of Chinatown.^[9]

1 Chinatown

Chinatown is the only substantial ethnic neighborhood remaining in Manhattan. Others like African-American Harlem, Latino Washington Heights, and especially Little Italy have long been whittled away by gentrification.

For first-time visitors, Chinatown is simultaneously inviting and intimidating. Decrepit yet delicious dumpling houses, Eastern medicine pharmacies showcasing vast rows of herbal remedies, shops brazenly peddling dubiously authentic clothing and handbags, and cavernous dim sum restaurants—including the 800-seat, soccer-pitch-sized Jing Fong—line the narrow, typically crowded streets.^[10]

Chinese immigrants began settling in Lower Manhattan in the 1870s. As Easterners in a Western world who were viewed as “others” even by other new arrivals from Ireland, Italy, and Germany, the Chinese developed a necessary insularity further exacerbated by the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. This limited the number of Chinese allowed to immigrate to the US.

Like other ethnic groups in 19th-century Lower Manhattan, the Chinese formed violent gangs. Known as tongs, the gangs ran opium dens, prostitution rings, and gambling halls. One narrow Chinatown alley, the elbow-shaped Doyers Street, became notorious as the “Bloody Angle” for a deadly inter-tong battle that left several gang members dead.

The killers escaped via another fascinating Chinatown anomaly: a winding series of underground tunnels used for illegal smuggling and quick getaways from law enforcement. Today, nearby Chatham Square offers the last accessible vestige of this tunnel network, known today as the Wing Fat Shopping Arcade.

10 Most Haunted Buildings In New York City And Their Backstories

About The Author: Christopher Dale (@ChrisDaleWriter) writes on politics, society, and sobriety issues. His work has appeared in Daily Beast, NY Daily News, NY Post, and Parents.com, among other outlets.

The Big Apple has got some pretty big spaces. From the many theatres of Broadway to the stunning lobbies of the grand hotels, world-famous galleries and museums, and the green expanse of Central Park, New York City ranks among the most iconic cities the world has ever seen. But, as with the other great cities in this little series, there are a wealth of hidden spaces waiting for you to uncover.

And do it quickly because New York is not doing so well right now—don’t all move to Austin, Texas, just yet! As this list will show, there are plenty of places to see.

Related: Top 10 Jaw-Dropping Hidden Spaces In Paris or Top 10 Jaw-Dropping Hidden Spaces In London

10 The Metropolitan Club

New York, alongside the world’s other great cities, has a strong game when it comes to old-timey, elegant, exclusive members’ clubs. But this one seems a touch more opulent than the others. When you look at the founding members—financier JP Morgan, railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, steel magnate James M Waterbury, former Assistant Secretary of State John L Cadwalader, and James A Roosevelt—it is little wonder how this place became so fancy.

Founded in 1891, the place retains its Gilded Age splendor. The West Lounge, found on the club’s first floor (of six), is the stand-out space. The stunning Renaissance murals look down upon the ornately decorated marble fireplaces, rendering the impressive views over the iconic Central Park rather dull—why would you look out when this is what is inside? So if you fancy gathering your pals for a knees-up, imagining yourselves all captains of industry and masters of the new world, the spaces throughout are available for hire. I’m sure they’ll take your house as collateral against the down payment…yeah, maybe just blag your way in for a quick peek. ^[1]

Nearest Subway Station: 5th Avenue Station—Broadway Local Line.

9 Greenacre Park

Parks are a fascinating human invention. More so than any ancient druid pointing to the boughs of an oak tree (where he just hung up a bunch of entrails) to demand reverence for nature, the modern park is the ultimate reverential symbol we’ve made for nature. We, those shaved apes that send people into space and create intricate systems that govern all aspects of our life, carve out portions of cities and towns and recreate the natural world. We need this. But not all parks are created equally, and some smaller parks are relatively ignored, remaining in the shadow of their bigger, flashier, more historic brethren.

One such “hidden” gem is Greenacre Park. With its 7.6-meter (25-foot) granite-constructed waterfall at its heart, this park is comprised of three levels, allowing for a multi-tiered experience. And what a pleasant experience it is! The waterfall births a babbling brook that leads to the entrance of the park. Next to the waterfall is a seating area, the perfect place to sit back, read a book, and forget that New York is dying.^[2]

Nearest Subway Station: Lexington Avenue/53rd Street—E Line or the M Line.

8 The Ford Foundation Building

Many public spaces in Lower Manhattan’s skyscrapers have been off-limits to the general public in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. However, the Ford Foundation Building’s atrium has not closed. Since 1963, the tiered garden space has offered an awe-inspiring haven for people to escape the hustle and bustle of Gotham’s busiest area. If Greenacre Park provides an outdoor getaway for New Yorkers, the Ford Foundation Building’s atrium is the indoor equivalent.

The garden was designed by landscape architect Dan Kiley and, since a 2018 redesign, has retained the peaceful aura the original vision created. The mid-century buildings and spaces in America’s main city really are a departure from earlier designs. Gone were the days of the celebration of progress and glory, of industrial mastery and financial victories; here came a time of escape, a move toward a more socially-conscious and sustainable future—progress at a more neck-preserving pace than the break-neck past. The Ford Foundation Building makes a great argument for this form of beauty far better than the contemporaneous monstrosities elsewhere in the city.^[3]

Nearest Subway Station: Grand Central Station—Lines 6, 7, and the 42nd Street Shuttle.

7 Old City Hall Subway Station

There is something creepy about abandoned subway stations. Not this one, however. This one is cool as hell—it answers the age-old question of “why did people in the past wear such fancy clothes when out and about?” Beautiful, mirror-shine green and white glass tiles line the gorgeous Gustavino vaulted ceilings, allowing the gentle light from the many chandeliers to dance around this subterranean space. Given that this was a busy commuter hub at the beginning of the twentieth century, one wonders how many people stopped to appreciate this stunning space when it was in regular use as a station. Not many, probably.

The City Hall station is an absolute gem. That is probably why the New York Transit Museum charges $50 for a tour of the place (and you have to be a member of the museum to attend, which is an additional $60). But if you’re a “meh, I don’t mind a fleeting glimpse” sort of person, why not just hop on the 6 train? It’ll pass through the station on its loop, allowing passengers to take a quick (and deeply envious) look at the sort of environment people used to stand in and wait to get moved around the city.^[4]

Nearest Subway Station, c’mon… Okay, NEXT nearest Station: Chambers Street Station—A Line.

6 Gould Memorial Library

Some have claimed the USA is the modern equivalent of the Roman Empire. So, there should be no surprise that this 19th-century University library in the Bronx was a reinterpretation of Rome’s Parthenon—and a hell of a good one, at that! Now a part of Bronx Community College, this space is well worth a look. A long look.

Built between 1894 and 1895 by the city’s foremost architect, Stanford White, as part of the University of New York City’s (now NYU) expansion onto the recently acquired Mali Estate, the whole complex is a monument to academia. The main reading room is breathtaking. From the sixteen imported Connemara marble columns, one’s eye is drawn upwards to the 21-meter-wide (70-foot) stucco-covered dome gilded with Dutch metal. It is meant to help inspire students to lofty academic heights, driven home with a wonderful quote from Milton’s Paradise Lost adorning the large entablature: “And chiefly thou o spirit that dost prefer before all temples that upright heart and pure. Instruct me for thou knowest what in me is dark. Illumine what is low raise and support.” Indeed.^[5]

Nearest Subway Station: 183rd Street Station—4 Line.

5 AT&T Long Distance Building

Beyond the melty clocks and vaguely smiling ladies, the out-of-place anatomical features, and the formaldehyde-bathed sharks, the visual arts have often been explicitly celebratory of mankind’s achievements, not merely impressionistic, expressionistic, devotional, or outright weird. We tend not to see this heroic style as often today, save on a very localized scale in school murals or public art commissioned by small community groups. If you get to visit the AT&T Long Distance Building in Manhattan’s Tribeca district, you’ll certainly get a sense of this once powerful artistic trend.

The art deco stylings within and without the building are amazing. However, there are plenty of far more famous buildings in New York that can show off their exterior deco cred. It is the incredible murals that run through the building that elevate this space to a must-see for art lovers.^[6]

Nearest Subway Station: Canal Street Station—A Line.

4 Grove Court

Some of you may balk at the idea of a gated community—it smacks of elitism as well as producing more than a whiff of “stay the hell away from me.” But once you manage to take a sneaky peek of Grove Court (alongside the many other tourists found doing the same thing), you’ll begin to dream of living there yourself. A square of brick-red townhouses, all in a charming Federal-era design, is a far cry from the austere brownstone, stooped buildings found elsewhere in the West Village.

This hidden architectural gem was built in 1854 by a grocer named Samuel Cocks (oh, stop sniggering and grow up!) to house laborers and local traders. So, not a fancy hideaway for the wealthy at all. Well, that’s what it is now, of course. The last time a 2-bed, 2-bath townhouse went up for sale, it fetched a cool $3.5 million.^[7]

Nearest Subway Station: Christopher Street Station—3 Line.

3 The Tunnels Under Columbia University

One of the worst-kept “secrets” in New York is the network of tunnels found under Columbia University. Despite the wide-ranging knowledge of these fascinating subterranean passageways, they don’t draw in masses of urban explorers that you might expect.

We often forget that the world around us, all the boons we take for granted, are manufactured, maintained, and require spaces such as these. The tunnels are Columbia University’s circulatory system. But before their role in keeping the uni humming, the tunnels served a far more sinister institution—The Bloomingdale Insane Asylum. The tunnels also played host to scientists working on the Manhattan Project. So if you want to see the place where scientists, madmen, and some mad scientists used to scurry around, take a trip under Columbia—it’ll be more interesting than attending a lecture.^[8]

Nearest Subway Station: 116th Street Station, Columbia University—1 Line.

2 Beneath the Brooklyn Bridge…

Urban exploration has undergone a real image transformation in recent years. Much like action sports like skateboarding and BMXing, there is now a veneer of respectability and cool to this once derided, nuisance pursuit. Urban explorers are the Indiana Joneses of the cities, uncovering artifacts and spaces that our forebears once used. Perhaps this could be considered the crowning achievement of this subculture in New York; the uncovering of a disused nuclear bunker inside the Brooklyn Bridge!

Awesome…or it would have been were it not for the fact that it was actually uncovered by some construction workers doing some routine inspections on the bridge. Ah well, at least they can lay claim to the next entry.^[9]

Nearest Subway Station: Fulton Street Station—3 Line.

1 The Explorers Club

The feeling one gets on entering a particularly beautiful or interesting space is driven by the styling. A highly baroque interior evokes a sense of opulence and a gentile lifestyle. An austere brutalist building suggests humanity’s progress to a utilitarian utopia/dystopia. Often, however, the styling is overridden by other elements. A baroque interior dotted with Lalique vases, Romantic landscape oil paintings, and bronze busts of various French monarchs will transport your mind’s eye to a Paris salon.

What we find in New York’s Explorers Club is not so much a transportation to a time and place but rather a whistle-stop journey around the globe’s wilder localities, evoking a sense of adventure, scientific discovery, and mankind’s emergent role as custodians of the natural world. Stuffed animals from all over the world are found everywhere—taxidermized cheetahs, lion pelts, rhino heads on walls, and great Elephant tusks flanking a fireplace in the reading room. Pith helmets may be required. Vegans need not apply…^[10]

Nearest Subway Station: 68th Street, Hunter College—6 Line.