• Prospect Park In Lights

    Posted on January 9, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    I feel fortunate to have seen this wonderful display on the last night of its illumination. Prospect Park in Lights was funded by a gift from Mort Zuckerman, publisher of the New York Daily News, to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. The installation consisted of more than 600,000 LEDs decorating Prospect Park’s four major gateways (Grand Army Plaza, Bartel-Pritchard Circle, Park Circle, and Parkside/Ocean Ave). Click here for more photos.

    The illuminated displays, created by Brooklyn-based lighting designer Jim Conti who also teaches at Parsons, simulate and celebrate different aspects of nature: the look of snowflakes frosting the ledges of the Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza, wisteria vines atop the Pergola at Parkside and Ocean Avenues, animated waves for the Bailey Fountain, and, of course, the tree under the arch. Many of the LED lights changed colors and were synchronized with wireless animated controllers. It was stunning…

    Posted on January 9, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Architecture, Holidays, New York at Night, Parks. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Republic

    Posted on January 8, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    Republic would be easy to hate were the food not so good. This restaurant/bar is located on Union Square (at 37 Union Square West), an area that gets enormous traffic, especially on days when the farmers’ market is in operation. With all that strolling and shopping, people get hungry and look for a fast meal, and Republic gets the traffic. This place is the brainchild of restaurant entrepreneur Jonathan Morr and opened in 1995. The decor is clean, crisp, minimalist modern with a large room in a soothing seafoam color and open kitchen. A slate counter adjoins the kitchen. Seating is communal at hardwood tables and benches. Click here for more photos.

    Everything is quick – the atmosphere is not really conducive to lingering. The cuisine is Asian fusion with elements of Thailand, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The emphasis is on noodles and one-bowl meals, as illustrated with their large photo posters on the walls with models adorned with noodles. This is quintessential New York City with the good and not so good all rolled into one. The space can be noisy, loud, and crowded. The line for a table can be long (but moves quickly). But the food is fresh and unique. Definitely give it a try if you are in the neighborhood…

    Posted on January 8, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Food and Restaurants. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Vintage Mural

    Posted on January 7, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    What started as a whimsical photo suggested by a friend as we were walking yesterday in Union Square turned out today to be a fascinating trip into the Crown Coat Front Company and the world of fading vintage murals. Most New Yorkers have noticed these signs all their lives here and find them to be remarkable surviving antiques providing a window into New York City’s rich history. Rampant construction covers some and uncovers others. And as I investigated this company (expecting nothing), I was surprised to find a few tidbits.

    Crown Coat was located at 105 E. 16 St. from 1947 to 1958. I also learned that a coat front is a “trade term for a built-up stiffening or shape-retaining interlining for the fronts of coats, made of stitched layers of haircloth, felt, and canvas.” (George E. Linton (The Modern Textile and Apparel Dictionary – 1973). A search on the company will return quite a few court documents – Crown Coat was involved in a 1967 Supreme Court case involving canteen covers supplied to the government in 1956. The most superb find of the day is Frank H. Jump’s website on his Fading Ad Campaign – a photographic project documenting vintage mural ads on building brickfaces in New York City spanning nearly a century. Click here to read his personal story and the background on the artist and this project…

    Posted on January 7, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Art and Sculpture, NYC's History, Secret NYC. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Rubin Museum of Art

    Posted on January 6, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    The Rubin Museum of Art opened on October 4, 2004 and is the first museum in the Western World dedicated to the art of the Himalayas and surrounding regions. Their collection consists of paintings, sculptures, and textiles with books, paintings, photographs, and artifacts. Computer terminals accessing the Museum’s website and affiliated sites offer other examples of Himalayan and related art. Although works of art range in date over two millennia, most reflect major periods and schools of Himalayan art from the 12th century onward.

    The Museum occupies what was formerly a portion of the Barneys department store in Chelsea. Read about it here at their website. It was redesigned and renovated with a team headed by the architectural firm of Beyer Blinder Belle and included Atelier Imrey Culbert, associate museum designers, and Milton Glaser Incorporated graphics. Many important details within the building have been retained, most notably Andree Putman’s steel and marble staircase that spirals dramatically through the seven-story gallery tower.

    The galleries are spacious, and the museum is extremely pleasant and very manageable. They run 6 different exhibitions, one on each floor. The museum includes space for contemporary and historical photography, a classroom, a state-of-the-art theater for multi-media events and performances, and a cafe and shop. Recommended…

    Posted on January 6, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Art and Sculpture. Bookmark the permalink.

  • John Jovino Gun Shop

    Posted on January 5, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    Even the most seasoned NYC residents are frequently surprised to learn that there is a retail gun shop in Manhattan. The John Jovino Gun Shop, at 183 Grand Street in Little Italy, is the city’s oldest, established in 1911 (their sign claims to be the oldest in the U.S.A.). Click here for more photos.

    At one time, there were more gun shops in this neighborhood, owing to the proximity of the Police Building at 240 Centre Street (now a residential condo but police headquarters before 1973). The old Frank Lava Gunsmith & Firearms Shop at 6 Centre Market Place, around the corner from Jovino’s current location, was established in 1850 and sported the large hanging gun motif, which John Jovino later adopted. Click here for vintage photo and article.

    The shop is owned by Anthony Imperato, who also owns the Henry Repeating Arms factory in Brooklyn. The existence of a rifle factory in NYC surprised me even more. The clientele for the shop is primarily law enforcement, but it is open to anyone with the proper permits. Articles I have read report that there has been a steady rise in gun sales since 9/11, so I guess the future of this shop looks good…

    Posted on January 5, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in NYC's History, Stores. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Angelika Film Center

    Posted on January 4, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    The Angelika Film Center has been the theater most associated with independent films in NYC – a cultural landmark. Although there have been others before it and after it (the Quad Cinema, Sunshine Theater, Film Forum, IFC, PS 122, Village East, and Lincoln Plaza uptown), the Angelika is the most well-known. (They now also have three theaters in Texas.)

    Established in 1989, this 6-screen, $4 million project was established by Joseph Saleh. The theater occupies the ground floor and basement of the Cable Building on the corner of Houston Street and Mercer in SoHo. (The Cable Building, designed by McKim, Mead & White, was originally used to store Houston Street cable cars.) The “indiplex” features a 7000-square foot lobby with an espresso bar and cafe, open to non-filmgoers as well, which serves as a hangout before and after films.

    Of course, there are many naysayers and disgruntled patrons who complain of the seating, layout, rumbling of subways, etc. In spite of this and all the competition, the theater still draws. In typical New York style, it’s the cinema that filmgoers love to hate. But ultimately, it’s the films themselves that really matter to the serious cinephile, and the Angelika delivers…

    Posted on January 4, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Curiosities of NYC. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Elizabeth Street Gallery

    Posted on January 3, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    This gallery was a phenomenal find. It is one of the most striking, atmospheric spaces I have seen. The gallery, co-owned by partners Allan Reiver and Avi Kendi, is on the ground floor of a beautiful small building in Little Italy at 209 Elizabeth Street, a former bakery and firehouse. The floors are 17th century stone from France (in fact, Allan Reiver travels to France to acquire the like for clients). A huge working fireplace is centerpiece, with sofas and reading material. Magnificent windows frame the Elizabeth Street Gardens with its statues, which can be accessed from the gallery. The place is filled with fabulous architectural, sculptural, and antique artifacts.

    Interesting note: By complete coincidence, one partner, Avi Kendi, is married to a friend whom I have known for over 20 years. I was only allowed to take these photos after speaking to him. Many spaces in the city, particularly ones which have a creative decor or very unique displays/products, are understandably sensitive to photos – idea theft is rampant – no need to make it easier. My thanks to them for the opportunity to take photos of this unique space (click here for more images). I suggest you visit while it is still under the radar…

    Posted on January 3, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Art and Sculpture, Stores. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Robin Kovary Run For Small Dogs

    Posted on January 2, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    In an age of specialization, and given the size of Manhattan and its dog population, a dog run specifically for small dogs should not come as a surprise. The Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs in Washington Square Park was formally dedicated in 2004. Robin Kovary was a renowned dog trainer and a dog run advocate – her efforts were instrumental in the establishment of dog runs throughout the city. Click here to read about her. Kovary’s work was responsible for the first dog run in the park (click here for a previous post I did on the other run in Washington Square Park).

    I am not a dog owner, but in speaking to a friend who does own small dogs and reading though the Kovary website, I have learned that it is a problem for small dogs to mingle and socialize with larger dogs. The big guys can be too aggressive with the small dogs, trample on them, etc. (There are weight restrictions for entering the small dog run). The solution of having a separate run has been very successful. Both runs allow the dogs to run off-leash – a special double gate system keeps entering and exiting problem-free. And watching the dogs cavorting has become a spectator sport…

    Posted on January 2, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Animals, Parks. Bookmark the permalink.

  • New Year’s Day

    Posted on January 1, 2007 by Brian Dubé

    Happy New Year to all. This photo was taken overlooking Washington Square Park this morning – New Year’s Day 2007 in NYC. Unlike yesterday’s continuation of our unseasonably warm (and sunny) weather, today we were greeted with a gray, dreary, rainy day. Last night seemed more subdued than previous years. I typically experience a lot more boisterous activity on the streets and subways – yelling, singing, noisemakers, and drunken revelry. It appeared that festivities were more confined to designated locales such as Times Square, bars, clubs, and, of course, private parties.

    I typically avoid New Year’s Eve activities – too much work to participate in frenzied, overpriced, and overcrowded activities with those in a desperate pursuit to party. I have been to Times Square twice, once for the millennium celebration. Click here for the co-organizer’s website. If you have the patience to get there very early and wait many hours and are comfortable with enormous crowds, you can ring in the new year with a million others in the country’s most well-known celebration and watch the famous 6-foot diameter Waterford crystal ball drop live and in person…

    Posted on January 1, 2007 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Holidays, Parks. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Macy’s

    Posted on December 31, 2006 by Brian Dubé

    There is probably no store more commonly associated with NYC than Macy’s. Present in film (Miracle on 34th Street) and other media and sponsor of the annual Thanksgiving Day parade and the annual fireworks display (since 1976), Macy’s has been around for nearly 150 years. It was established as a dry goods store in 1858 on 14th Street and 6th Avenue, then moved to 18th Street and Broadway (on the Ladies’ Mile) for 40 years and came to rest in 1902 at its current location at Herald Square (34th Street and Broadway). Click here for more photos.

    The company went public in 1922 and subsequently expanded to locations across the country (it now has over 800 stores). It was the first store to use escalators – the original wood escalators are still in use. Macy’s is part of the fabric of New York City – like Central Park, Times Square, Grand Central Station, and the Empire State Building, it is nearly impossible to conceive of the city without it. Although it is a place a business, I think it has a different meaning in the hearts and minds of most New Yorkers than that of any other store.
    In 1992, Macy’s actually filed for bankruptcy. Icon or not, any seasoned citizen knew that nothing is guaranteed, and Macy’s survival was in real jeopardy. They survived and merged with Federated Department Stores. Many internationally known businesses that may at one time been considered invulnerable have gone under, such as Pan Am…

    Posted on December 31, 2006 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Holidays, Stores, Tourist Attractions. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Re-Creation

    Posted on December 30, 2006 by Brian Dubé

    This is the home of the Tenth Church of Christ Scientist at 171 MacDougal Street as seen from MacDougal Alley. This austere, modernist structure with no windows has always seemed out of place in the heart of the Greenwich Village historic district. As one might suspect, there is more here than meets the eye.

    As it turns out, the building itself was designed in 1890 by Renwick, Aspinwall and Russell. The factory building was acquired by the Church in 1921, and in 1966, the building’s facade was radically altered to its current condition by Victor Christ-Janer & Associates. What’s exciting for the neighborhood is that a proposal was made in April 2006 (and approved in June) to restore the building’s facade to its historic Romanesque-style. There will be three bays of windows, with arched windows on the next-to-highest floor and smaller windows on the top floor. Overall, it’s a huge improvement for such a prominent location and has been applauded by the community. The upper floors (which have been unused since the alteration) will be converted to 9 residential condominiums.
    Unlike most churches with various activities, this building has always been eerily quiet, with rare signs of life. Perhaps with all the new windows, we will finally see what’s really going on in there 🙂

    Posted on December 30, 2006 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Architecture. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Saks Fifth Avenue

    Posted on December 29, 2006 by Brian Dubé

    Previously, I featured the Christmas window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue. This is the season’s store interior (click here for more photos) – isn’t it magnificent? I complimented the staff on the design and execution; they were so friendly, with no issues whatsoever taking photos (this is not always the case – I was reprimanded at Sephora at the Scribner location). In fact, they were very excited, took my card, and promised to check out the photoblog.

    I was informed that Saks has its own in-house visual design staff. I am not a shopper at all, but this is the type of decor that inspires one to explore the high-end retailers. Click here for an exterior photo showing their snowflake lighting. If you are at all interested in NYC, visiting stores and its neighbors along Fifth Avenue is a must at least once in your life. A nice walk would be to start at 59th Street (Central Park, Plaza Hotel, Apple Store, FAO Schwarz) and stroll down 5th Avenue, ending at 42nd Street at the main branch of the New York Public Library…

    Posted on December 29, 2006 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Holidays, Stores, Tourist Attractions. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Terra Blues

    Posted on December 28, 2006 by Brian Dubé

    Many small music clubs have closed down over the years – rising rents in Manhattan is certainly one of the major factors. And hit hardest are those clubs which feature less popular genres, such as the blues. Important venues such as Chicago Blues and Manny’s Car Wash have closed. The only real blues venue left in Manhattan is Terra Blues (although B.B. King’s at Times Square has a blues room).

    Terra Blues is one flight up at 149 Bleecker Street (click here for 2nd photo), one of the most touristy and well-known streets in the Village. However, this club is authentic and gets serious acts. And, unlike many remaining music clubs in the city, it is quite reasonable – the cover charge varies, and on many weeknights, there is no cover or minimum. If you like blues at all, I highly recommend it. Check the calendar on their website.
    One of my favorite blues musicians is harmonica player Jason Ricci. Here’s a link to his myspace site. Jason has started playing at Terra Blues – keep an eye out for him…

    Posted on December 28, 2006 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Bars Clubs and Fetes, Music and Concerts. Bookmark the permalink.

  • Nokia Store

    Posted on December 27, 2006 by Brian Dubé

    In the most upscale shopping district of Manhattan, Nokia opened its second retail store in the U.S. after Chicago (and 5th in the world) on September 9, 2006. Click here for more photos. The store is sandwiched between luxury retailers in a compact, 1,800 square foot, three-level building at 5 East 57th Street.

    With neighbors like Bulgari, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Tiffany, the flagship store appears to be less about actual retailing and more about exposure. The translucent walls change colors, approximately 60 different hues throughout the day. Nokia has created an interactive, multimedia environment. Phones are for sale in the store from $99 to $150,000. The Vertu brand boutique is on the 3rd floor, with cell phones with laser etched keys, sapphire crystal screens, and ostrich leather cases. Here’s a link to their original press release, with details about the store. The environment is low-key with no pressure – the sales staff does not work on commission…

    Posted on December 27, 2006 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Stores. Bookmark the permalink.

  • The Crown Building

    Posted on December 26, 2006 by Brian Dubé

    The Crown Building, at 730 Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, has one of midtown Manhattan’s finest roofs. When seen at night, its illuminated, striking 416-foot high crown with gilded details truly gives it a regal quality, befitting of its name. The French Renaissance octagonal tower section is very striking, with stone/terra cotta, dormers, parapets, and a huge chimney stack. An original weathervane in the form of a rooster was removed in 1942 and melted down as part of the war effort. The best unobstructed view is from the north, where this photo was taken.

    Designed by Warren and Wetmore and built in 1921, it was one of the first buildings to go up after the setback provisions of the 1916 Zoning Resolution. It was originally called the Heckscher Building after its developer August Heckscher, a German immigrant (1867) who made his wealth from mining operations. In 1929, the Museum of Modern Art opened its first gallery here in rented rooms on the 12th floor. In the 1960s, it was known as the Genesco Building, was again renamed in 1983 as the Crown Building, and in the 1980s became one of the properties of the Marcos of the Philippines.

    One of the early commercial developments on the Vanderbilt’s former turf, Heckscher’s vision was quite prescient: “In the last analysis, whoever will not shop on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street will not shop anywhere.”

    Posted on December 26, 2006 by Brian Dubé
    This entry was posted in Architecture, New York at Night. Bookmark the permalink.


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