Tag Archives: Downtown Manhattan

Overlooked Manhattan: The Down Town Association

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Situated at the base of 70 Pine Street, The Down Town Association is a private club which dates back to 1887, making it the oldest club in New York and second oldest in the US.

Notable members have included Thomas Dewey (New York Governor), Franklin D Roosevelt, Wendel Wilkie, and Grover Cleveland, the only person to serve non-consecutive terms as president. Current members are mostly lawyers or financers.

The club was used almost exclusively for lunches and billiards back in the day, only offering overnight accommodations to members and guests beginning in 2016.

All of that said, Covid-19 has closed it up pretty tight.

Overlooked Manhattan: The Irish Punt

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New York is known for its drinking establishments, most especially the ubiquitous Irish Pubs. The Irish Punt, like most of these places, offers a wide selection of drinks, a relaxed ambience as well as a friendly and most knowledgeable service staff.

Located at 40 Exchange Place in Downtown Manhattan, steps from The Stock Exchange, The Punt hosts everyone from security workers and teachers to stock brokers and executives, all with the same, simple desire – a drink (or two) in a secluded spot.

The Punt has served New Yorkers and tourists alike since 1995 and now, given the Covid-19 restrictions, needs our support. It’s safe as safe can be – I myself have visited a few times lately – and just like you remember it. So come on out and ask if McPhedran is around. I might even buy you a drink.

Overlooked New York: 70 Pine

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Surrounded by the tight streets and towering spires of Downtown Manhattan, it is more accurate to say that 70 Pine is under-looked. It is almost impossible to see it at close range.

As the plaque outside states, 70 Pine is an Art Deco building from the late 1920s and was, upon construction, the tallest in Downtown Manhattan and the third tallest in the world

The Art Deco details, prevalent inside and out, give residents of the 612 units with visual justification for their rent – ranging from $2,300 (studio) to $13,000 (three-bedroom).

This residential building also houses a couple of restaurants – Blue Park and Crown Shy – as well as a physical therapy studio where I am working on my new knees.

Sadly, the observation platform has been closed during the pandemic.

Overlooked Manhattan: Dubuffet’s “Group of Four Trees”

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Chase Plaza, between William and Broad Streets in Downtown Manhattan, offers that rare trifecta: light, space and art. Overlooked Manhattan: Dubuffet's "Group of Four Trees"Jean Dubuffet’s Group of Four Trees dominates the space. Overlooked Manhattan: Dubuffet's "Group of Four Trees"Made of fiberglass, aluminum and steel, Jean Dubeffet’s work was erected in 1972 and stands four stories tall.Overlooked Manhattan: Dubuffet's "Group of Four Trees" Overlooked Manhattan: Dubuffet's "Group of Four Trees" Overlooked Manhattan: Dubuffet's "Group of Four Trees"The sculpture is one of the 14,000 works in Chase Manhattan’s private collection.*Overlooked Manhattan: Dubuffet's "Group of Four Trees"This being one of the few that the public can see.

(*According to Manhattan’s Downtown Alliance)

Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National Memorial

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Popular tourist destinations in Downtown Manhattan include the 911 Memorial, City Hall and Wall Street. Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National MemorialEven though many tourists stand in front of Federal Hall National Memorial, and take pictures of the statue of Washington on the steps, only a few actually go inside the historic site.TOverlooked New York: Federal Hall National Memorialhis is odd because it’s not only free, but also quite warm.Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National Memorial

Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National MemorialThere’s interesting things to learn. Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National Memorial Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National Memorial Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National MemorialAnd best of all – no guns are allowed.Overlooked New York: Federal Hall National Memorial