DUMBO

The Skyline has further developed before the city could blink. I took this picture July 11, 2017. The looming Verizon tower behind the Brooklyn Bridge is already complete a year later.

I believe this image accurately captures the city’s past, future and present. The past as we see the very means of transportation that pushed the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, a very crowded harbor busy with ferries and boats (if you look closely there’s a tugboat behind the sailboat!) . The present as the large and wide tower is erected behind the bridge is nearly complete, and lastly the future due to the skyline vacant of towers to the right soon to be disturbed.

Ironically enough ferries are coming back into popularity and I’m curious how this has effected Manhattan, is it simply enough that the piers are becoming their own significant tourist attraction? I believe this system of transportation serves as not only a way to travel but a entrance into the liminal, or in between spaces of New York. It creates an isolation not easily achieved in New York which I think is very significant to the ferry’s popularity.

 

Limelight

Kenya Rodriguez

In our recent site visits we walked around ladies mile which I did not know it was actually called that. You can clearly see why its named that with all the department stores. While we stroll around we came across what is now Limelight Fitness, which used to be a nightclub but it was originally a church. To my knowledge I have never visited the site but heard of the nightclub. I really enjoy that the exterior is in its original state because I can clearly see that it used to be a church. I would like to know what was the reason for converting the church into a nightclub? When you walk inside I visualized being in a nightclub and it felt right. Looking only at the outside you would never even imagine that it is currently a fitness center. For me this is one of the most surprising sites. This Gothic revival church was constructed in 1844-1845 by Richard Upjohn.

Kenya Rodriguez

Next Stop: Queens

A view of the Long Island City area from a LIRR train car. LIC is an emerging area for industry and skyscrapers because of it’s close proximity to Manhattan. As more and more skyscrapers fill out the skyline in the coming years, LIC and surrounding areas like Queensbridge, will see an exponential growth as a result of the upcoming Amazon HQ These commercial office buildings are inhabited by company giants. The buildings are sleek, modern, and have small touches of idiosyncratic architectural design.

-Tristen Demmett

The Church of the Holy Communion

 On our last site visit we had visited this building, known colloquially as the Limelight Building. This building, actually called the Church of the Holy Communion is a Gothic revival building constructed in 1845 by the architect Richard Upjohn. The church also happens to be a New York landmark and it’s clear to see why, given its over 100 year standing as well as its reputation as a famous club, the Limelight, from the early 80’s to the mid-2000’s. Although I do have to say as a New Yorker I have casually came across this building from time to time, in my travels, and it has always given a very rustic vibe that seems almost foreign in what one would consider to be “modern” in the New York City of today.

-Justin Ortiz

 

Dutch house

This is a house on E26th street right off of Brooklyn collage’s campus. For the past four years I have passed this house and have always admired its “farm look”. I now know better and would like to correct the term I used to describe this house. The Dutch colonial roof top is a style that i have always liked and would like to incorporate in my own home one day. I think what i find most attractive about this particular rooftop is how the blue acts as a nice accent for the shape of the roof as the white outline makes it even more prominent really giving it a warm country look. I also enjoy how the half moon window adds to the peek of the roof accentuating the shape.

Tabernacle of Prayer

This church on Jamaica Avenue is in a world of its own. It being the only building left in this style. Of all the years that I have lived in Jamaica Queens I never once noticed how ornate this building is. The large sign at the bottom is remnants of when this building used to be a theater, the first in Jamaica.

Its beautifully ornate facade is incredibly detailed, and I would say well maintained for its age. This site in the former Lowe’s Valencia Theater, now a landmark. It opened in 1929 and today is one of nyc’s best kept secrets. The inside of this former theater is breathtaking, you would hardly believe that you’re still in NY.

What made me sad was that if I had not looked up with building, I would have never knew this site was just a 20 minute walk from my house. Because it is now a prayer house most people wont just walk in, and unless your looking from across the street you would miss all the beauty of its exterior.

-Chrisbel Placencia

Black cat in Astoria

This is in Astoria on 34th Avenue, around 40th Street. You don’t often get a look into these inside courtyards so I took a picture.

There is a long driveway running between closed off backyards accessed through four-story apartments. I like the way different backyards have their own character. And I like the ominous cat.

Brooklyn army terminal

The Brooklyn Army Terminal was designed by Cas Gilbert as a warehouse and cargo loading facility. It was built out of concrete, with an efficient design. Maximizing the flow and movement of the space was the most important priority. It was essential that every loading deck be as productive and accessible as possible. However, in creating a design that concentrated on movement, Gilbert also created a space with a harmonious flow that is almost as aesthetically interesting in its rhythm as it is efficient.

“Adelphi Hall” 201 Eastern Parkway

I came across this structure walking to Brooklyn Museum and was instantly amazed by it. The small flecks of green in the bricks which matches the green gambrel (I think?) roof. I did a quick search and discovered the buildings exterior was recently renovated. There is no word on exactly when the apartment complex was built but it certainly gives off an old world charm.

by Muhammad A.

Alhambra Apartments, at Nostrand Ave. and Macon St. -Evie Maldonado

I found this building to be very interesting because of its structure and design. It is at Nostrand Avenue and Macon Street. I love the shape of the building especially for a building at the corner of a block. It has many windows, arches and small columns on each floor. After looking for information on it, I found out this building is called the Alhambra Apartments. It was designed by the architect Montrose Morris and built by developer Louis F. Seltz in 1889-90. Its architectural features include loggias, columns, arches, arcades, gables, six towers, and terracotta decorations. It was landmarked by NYC LPC in 1986.

-Evie Maldonado