I took this photo while standing on the Queensborough Bridge directly above the 2nd Avenue traffic. Beautiful buildings like these slowly being torn down one by one to make way for high rise condominiums like the ones you see behind them. The reason this is happening is because these older buildings are not always safe and some are crumbling due to old age. And it is very expensive and difficult to maintain.So do you have any exciting plans for the weekend?
23 comments:
You bring up one of the things I hate about American ideas of progress. It would be so much richer and wonderful a world if restoration work could be done. Look at the undistinguished high rise architecture and it makes you weep.
Hi, Ming. In a way, it's remarkable that Manhattan has any buildings like this any more. The architecture is beautiful but I notice that they all have window air conditioners. Refitting the buildings with modern HVAC systems would probably be cost prohibitive. The building you live in and the one I grew up in down the block were built between the wars and are a bit easier to maintain. I remember when my building got all new electrical wiring in the 6os. Probably not very adequate today, though.
Bob
I always hate to see historic old buildings torn down to make way for more modern buildings. But if the buildings are unsafe then they muct go, true?
Pity they can't tear them down and rebuild similar looking buildings. But, as they say, time marches on.
I'm looking at the photo and wondering immediately just where you were standing when you took it, and, lo and behold, you told me within the first few words. Marvelous.
It breaks my heart, this inability to keep the beauty so painstakingly created in the past. Thank you so much for this photo!
Superbe photo, elle me fait penser à un drapeau, j'adore cette architecture, ces batiments avec des couleurs differentes mais pas criardes, en fait cela pourrait etre le drapeau de NYC
Superb photograph, it makes me think of a flag, I adore this architecture, these buildings with different colors but not yelling, does that of it could be the flag of NYC
What you find more and more in Paris now, is to keep the facades and completely rebuild behind. Awaiting the completion of the rebuild, you just see a wall standing there. It's a compromise way to keep the street style and to get modern facilties behind. Of course, in Paris we have also a restriction against building high. Some small skyscrapers were built in the 60's, but then it stopped. There is now a discussion about making some exceptions.
For the weekend: Invitation by freinds at the countryside in conflict with local arrondissement festivities; music in all bars and other events. Have to decide.
Love the photo but not the "progress" These buildings have style and character, both missing in too many modern buildings. Peter's comment re. Paris might contain an idea that more American cities could emulate!!
Love that shot!
I wish I could put a bridge over Hell's Kitchen like that... Just for a day of photo opps!
I love old buildings but alas....I fear they will all be gone soon.
no big exciting plans for the weekend, just some mean cheese watching....
you?
its too bad hearing that they are breaking these beautiful buildings... progress really has its downside.
What a shame beautiful building like this are being torn down. Such a beautiful shot her-nice colors.
When I was in Venice, we went to the island of Burano. There the houses are painted all different colors. It was so their fisherman could easily see where there house was when they returned from fishing. It was beautiful!
Agree with Annie, wish there was a real effort of restauration for these charming old buildings. But then today's cheap construction methods mean that the new condos won't last long either...
I understand that the costs of renovation can be prohibitive, but why, oh why, can't the new buildings be more interesting and nice to look at?
The stairs actually adds a diagonal dimension to the boring verticals and horizontals of the buildings. Another art piece :)
I love this one. The colours are marvellous (just a tiny bit of more contrast would improve) and the story is sad.
I had a great weekend last weekend! Come read about it! I am going to a housewarming party this weekend up by Waco! Love this picture by the way!
Such a shame!!! They should be landmarked or something.
Plans for the w.e. include showing a little Belgian colleague around the city. Seems like she needs a little help - I heard how she had no clue where to buy shampoo since the stores "do not look like home", LOL!
What about you?
I love the contrasting colours of these "old" buildings and think it's a real shame they'll eventually be knocked down to make way for the new.
New is not necessarily better in my opinion, especially when it comes to architecture - in fact, new often takes away the character of a suburb, town etc.
When it comes to shoes though...new is FANTASTIC!!! :oP
I'm getting my hair cut this weekend and catching up with friends. Can't wait!
Good photo..I like it a lot, Ming. Loved the subway theatre posters, too. Of course it varies, but in London, today, many of these facades must kept, and the new stuff is built behind the old facade....it works well.
Wow! Great photo, Ming! Love that style architecture!
This is so beautiful, Ming. Let's hope they stay there for ever.
i wanna i wanna live in new york.
The first condo looks like in B&W
Post a Comment