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As everyone must know by now, back in January I had visited my sons in New York. I spent most of my time at home cleaning, painting and rearranging everything. But one afternoon, I did manage to drag myself out of the house and go to Manhattan. I know it's not Michael's but it will have to do. And so today I am sharing my photo essay on the Buildings of New York. I imagine you all think of New York as being full of skyscrapers like this.  Or this...  They all look the same after a while. This is the famous Madison Square Garden.  The round portion in the background is the actual arena.  There are skyscrapers popping up everywhere! And so many of them are made of glass and steel. Did I mention that they all look the same?  Here's something a little different. It's the Fashion Institute of Technology, smack in the middle of the garment district and it's not a skyscraper!  More skyscrapers, it feels as if you are walking amongst steel canyons. In fact, because of these canyons the winds were roaring through the streets on that wintery afternoon.  And here is the symbol of New York itself, the Empire State building.  All those steel buildings are nice but there is also another side to New York. These older more genteel buildings such as the Flatiron Building, are no less commanding than their modern counterparts.  These are huge buildings that make their presence felt!  You certainly cannot walk by this incredible building which is a maternity center without stopping to stare for a minute or two. Look at all the details on the facade.  Some of the buildings such as the Met Life Tower, even have surprises on top!  And what about these red brick beauties, with their arched windows and the fire escapes on the outside, harking back to olden times.  Or these salmon colored brick buildings which might have been factories in days gone by.  This one has arches on top, ogivals is what they are! A lifetime ago when I was a student in New York, I would walk around the streets with my head up in the air! Oh I'd occasionally bump into people and things, but there is so much to see up on top, the bumps were worth it. Why would anyone not want to admire all this architectural beauty?  Look at the way the light hits this grand old building. I suspect there must be a glass and steel giant across from it that reflects all that light! It is telling us that although it is older, it is also unique and that is why it has a spotlight on it.  And St. Francis Friary is tucked in between more giants. But it holds its own among the faceless skyscrapers.  Let's take a look at the diversity that is encompassed on this street. And we're only seeing half the block.  Looking up again we can see why this was my favorite pastime. So much grandeur on the top of that building! Or is it a palace? And all this in the middle of Manhattan!  New Yorkers are famous for their eyes-front, brisk walk and their no-nonsense manner when racing through the streets to their destinations. But they miss so much, like the details on these two buildings which happen to be neighbors.  Why this facade can easily be mistaken for a Roman building.  Can you guess what is housed inside this Corinthian neoclassical building? No? Well it's a Home Depot! I guess New Yorkers take their DIYing seriously!  And this facade (the Time Warner Cable Company) has sculptures and columns to let us know just how important it is! Wait... are those lions?  A delicate border on the top. It almost looks like a vine.  A baroque swag!  Different masonry and colored bricks make all these buildings eye candy for the passerby!  Such intricate work! If I lived there I'd have my neck stuck out the window all day!  Grand windows or are they balcony doors?  And let's not forget the bling at the top of the buildings!  All of these photos were taken within a two hour time frame. Notice the change in the weather from one shot to the next! They were all snapped within an 8 block distance. That gives you an idea of how much is packed into such a small area. If you'd like to see more photography go to my photo gallery here.  No humans were bumped into while on this New York adventure. I know this was a bit longer than my usual photo essays but I think it was worth it. I hope you have enjoyed my buildings of New York. Now what is the lesson we have learned today? Always look up! You never know what you might miss!  If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. Above is a Pinterest worthy image! If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox. The form is on the sidebar and your e-mail will never be shared with a third party.  Disclosure: The items below are affiliate links and link to Amazon.com. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content. There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links. More photo essays: << Sweet Inspiration Link Party #48 HOME How to Not Decoupage Bottles >>
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86 Comments
Thank you for your tour through Manhattan Mary! It's one of my biggest dreams to go there one day and I always enjoy seeing photos of it!! I love all the different kind of buildings and I certainly would walk around with my head looking up in the sky, I guess, that's what all the tourists do, right??
Mary
3/20/2017 05:33:46 am
Katrin I was thinking of you when I was making this post. I said will Katrin like this, I hope so. In fact I don't know what the tourists do. You see this essay was of the buildings but there is so much to see at ground level, the shops with their beautiful window displays, the people who are busting around, all the street vendors. So much to see Katrin.It really is a vibrant city full of everything. 3/20/2017 08:52:49 am
These photos make me long for the old days when buildings had character and built with pride.
Mary
3/21/2017 03:23:03 pm
Thanks Doreen. I know that you are familiar with the area but even a quick trip will yield lots of photos. There is so much to see and enjoy. I was really surprised at all the new buildings. These thin square things rising up into the clouds.
Mary
3/21/2017 03:24:04 pm
Thank you Kellie. I also love architecture and all the details that are on older buildings. Fantastic photo tour! I have been to NYC several times and each time I notice something different. I love to wander around Harlem with the gorgeous brownstones and some of the most gorgeous Churches I have seen. I do have a struggle looking up when I am in the midtown area, as the shear height of some of those skyscrapers make me dizzy!
Mary
3/21/2017 03:25:53 pm
I know exactly what you mean Maureen about those skyscrapers. This last time I noticed a lot of pencil thin buldings going up and dotting the skyline. It must be a new trend. And they are so tall, they look as if they'll fall over if there is a strong wind. I much prefer the older buildings.
Mary
3/21/2017 03:27:10 pm
New York is packed with things to see and do. And to think that I just went to one small area and took so many photos. Can you imagine how many more I can take in other areas? 3/20/2017 09:39:45 am
New York is one of my favorite cities. The building are beautiful as you captured in your photos. I try to get there at least once a year. Your photos makes me want to plan a trip there ASAP.
Mary
3/21/2017 03:29:07 pm
That is the highest compliment Sharon. I love the city and it only seems to get better in my eyes. I remember when I lived there in the eighties it was dirty and scary. Now it presents a whole different image. No wonder it attracts so many tourists. I love your photo essays, you always see things in such a different way and notice the tiny details that most people just skip over. I've never been to NY so this was especially fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing your 8 blocks. I can't believe the diversity in architectural styles, wow.
Mary
3/21/2017 03:30:29 pm
You can only imagine at how many more photos I would have taken had I gone to more than 8 blocks. New York is a walkers city so there is always something to look it. It never gets boring. 3/20/2017 09:57:45 am
Wow Mary I really loved the tour! New York is like a dream destination for me! Thanks!
Mary
3/21/2017 03:32:49 pm
Thank you Katerina. I love to show off my favorite city! 3/20/2017 10:19:29 am
NYC in November when done up for the holidays is on my bucket list. Thank you for this uplifting view of the concrete jungle - so enjoyed that this Monday morning!
Mary
3/21/2017 03:34:11 pm
Ahhh in November it is all decked out for Christmas. There is nothing like it. Lights everywhere and the window displays are the best you will see. Thank you for your sweet words Marie!
Katrina
3/20/2017 11:05:56 am
What a great photo essay! I've never been to New York but your photos gave me a great perspective into the rich history and architecture it holds. Thank you.
Mary
3/21/2017 03:37:27 pm
Thank you for dropping by Katrina. I know that we all see so much of the skyscrapers and I thought it would be nice to see another point of view. Mary, I enjoyed seeing all the beautiful architecture. I really like reading your wonderful and detailed descriptions!! It's so good to stop and see all the amazing detail on these buildings that so many times get passed over. I'm sure the architects, engineers, and workers will appreciate that you stopped and admired their hard work and planning of these magnificent structures. Beautiful post Mary!!
Mary
3/21/2017 03:39:22 pm
I think all these great people took pride when creating these amazing buildings. After all they were building in the greatest city. I really am like a little kid in a candy shop when I go down there and don't have anything pressing to do. Thanks Keri!
Mary
3/21/2017 03:41:54 pm
That is so, so true Michele. I edited the photos as to be above ground level because on the street it is total chaos. People rushing by, cabs and cars racing in the streets. And then you have the shop windows beckoning you. I just wanted to enjoy the little details. 3/20/2017 02:42:50 pm
Thanks for the tour of New York Mary! I have never been to New York before, lots of neat looking building, maybe one day I will make it there to see all the beautiful architecture myself . Thanks for sharing all the lovely photos.
Mary
3/21/2017 03:43:04 pm
Linda I do believe this was one of my favorite photo essays. I may not have been in the city long but I thoroughly enjoyed putting this together and observing all the details.
Hi Mary,
Mary
3/31/2017 03:39:33 pm
Florence it makes me so happy to hear that you shared it with your husband. I grew up there yes. Spent 30 years of my youth there and then moved down here. But I didn't live in the neighborhood I showed in the pics. Only the rich can live in Manhattan. I am too old for all the hustle and bustle now. 3/20/2017 05:12:16 pm
N.Y. is one of the places i'd like to visit. I think brownstones in the city are magnificinent buildings!
Mary
3/31/2017 03:58:33 pm
This city is full of vibrancy Zografia. And to think I only did a small section. I can't wait to go back and show you other neighborhoods. 3/20/2017 07:33:45 pm
Oh Mary, I know you had a ball! It's been a couple of years since I've been to THE city, and I'm usually so busy that I don't take the time to look at all the buildings.
Mary
3/31/2017 04:02:27 pm
Lynn I was there for about 2 hours and in those 2 hours I managed to snap so much. It was cold and windy and the sun was playing hide and seek. I can't wait to go back to my city.
Mary
3/31/2017 04:03:38 pm
Thank you Ivory. I'm glad you enjoyed them and thank you for the comment. 3/21/2017 05:24:46 am
Great NYC snapshots! Looks like you had great weather, too!
Mary
3/31/2017 04:06:44 pm
No good weather. It was cold and windy and the sun kept on hiding behind the clouds. I just got really lucky with the shots Tamar. 3/21/2017 06:51:50 am
Hi Mary, all those different buildings so close together. I wouldn't know where to look first! I do like St. Francis Friary holding its own between the high rise buildings. And the shop front of Home Depot would put many a hotel to shame!
Mary
3/31/2017 04:09:24 pm
What a contrast from Greek life, hey Debbie? It is crazy over there and New Yorkers have a way that they don't bump into each other. My son says its the "zone" they get into. There is no stopping them. When I was young I used to carry a pair of sneakers with me and wear them after work. 3/21/2017 12:28:40 pm
Lovely pictures, dear Mary. Don't know whether I'll ever make it to New York - let alone to the States. But there seems to be a lot more than mere skyscrapers...
Mary
3/31/2017 04:28:05 pm
Marjan thank goodness for that. How boring would it be if there were only skyscrapers. New York is full of so much rich history. No people bumping. I am a skilled New Yorker, although my kids freak every time I jaywalk.
Mary
3/31/2017 04:38:04 pm
Thankyou Carolann. It is an incredible city. Do you still live there? I go back and forth since my kids live there. 3/21/2017 05:47:13 pm
"steel canyons", what a perfect way to describe the skyscrapered streets of New York!
Mary
3/31/2017 04:47:13 pm
That neighborhood around the MET is also one of my favorites, actually I'd be happy to move into the MET! haha!
Mary
4/3/2017 08:34:45 am
So am I Krista. And you know how crazy it gets in the New York streets. I must have an antenna to avoid the quick walkers. Mary , amazing pictures . Made me feel like I was there . I've never been to New York . Wow ! St Francis is absolutely beautiful . So much to see. I would be that gal that stood standing with her mouth wide open in awe . Two of daughters has been to New York . One of them is going back to take her oldest daughter in November . Loved this . Hugs and blessings , Cindy
Mary
4/3/2017 08:39:08 am
Thank you so much Cindy. There is so much to see and even for this old New Yorker who spent most of her life there. It never gets boring! I hope you have the opportunity to visit one day with your lovely family. 3/21/2017 10:11:34 pm
Mary,
Mary
4/3/2017 09:44:06 am
Thank you Beverly. It really is packed with so much. I'll have do take more photos when I go back. 3/22/2017 08:57:00 am
I love them all. When ever I go to a city, whether it is NYC or
Mary
4/3/2017 02:16:35 pm
Debra from your mouth to a publisher's ears. I will be here snapping away just for the sheer joy of it.
Armenia Pagan
3/22/2017 01:01:56 pm
I live in NYC (in one of the outer boroughs) and I love how you captured the beauty in the buildings of our city. Thank you!
Mary
4/3/2017 02:19:44 pm
Armenia it is such a beautiful city so full of anything anyone can imagine. We are never bored in New York. Thank you for stopping by.
Mary
4/3/2017 02:21:34 pm
When it comes to those old building it's all about the details. Makes you wonder how they built them and who was brave enough to climb up on those buidings to add the details. 3/23/2017 07:08:25 am
I always enjoy your photo essays Mary! New York is a far cry from the beach and our quiet VT mountain. There's so much packed into such a small amount of geography! Loved the narrative on the building designs...nice post my friend!
Mary
4/3/2017 02:27:28 pm
Thank you Wendi. It is a big differenc from our usual setting and yet this is where my heart is. I grew up in NY and you cannot take that out of me! I really enjoyed shooting these images. I've had a lifelong love of architecture and had I been any better at physics I would have become an architect (in my dreams lol)!
Laurie
3/23/2017 08:57:21 pm
Mary, I enjoyed the photos and the narrative too. I love looking at all the interesting architecture. Thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful week!
Mary
4/3/2017 02:30:04 pm
I too love the architecture Laurie. The modern buildings don't do it for me. Give me an old ornate structure any day!
Mary
4/3/2017 02:33:09 pm
Pat I went back to your blog and stalked the Flatiron district. You have so many great photos from there. I hardly ever go down there. But like you say there is always something new to see. Manhattan is never boring. 3/24/2017 08:58:23 am
I can't believe that Home Depot! (and I wouldn't even have thought there'd have BEEN a HD in NYC - I thought the closest one would have been over the bridge in NJ!)
Mary
4/3/2017 02:35:20 pm
Lisa I guess DIYers are all over the place! But that building was a real surprise. I thought it housed something a bit fancier.
Mary
4/3/2017 02:41:00 pm
I suspect they are used to them or too busy looking ahead to notice much. I remember as a student I took a bunch of architecture courses and I had to go out and look, really look at buidlings. I don't remember the names of all the architectural details but I still hold onto my love of old buildings.
Mary
4/3/2017 03:01:08 pm
Thank you Nadia. I know that when we are in NY we are usually so busy trying to avoid getting stomped on that we don't have time to look up. I am so happy that you had a chance to see the Flatiron's buildings from my point of view.
Mary
4/3/2017 03:05:07 pm
It is a city that has everything for everyone. When I was little they called it the melting pot. I guess that would be the perfect description.
Amber Harrop
3/26/2017 05:01:29 pm
Gorgeous pictures of New York Mary - I really must visit there one day.
Mary
4/3/2017 03:07:48 pm
Thank you Leanna it was a great trip. But as you can see, I spent most of my time at home working on furniture. All I needed was one afternoon to enjoy the city.
Mary
4/3/2017 03:10:33 pm
Lisa you will love it. I only showed a small snippet of the city. There is so much more to see. Every turn around a corner is another surprise. 3/27/2017 10:42:52 am
I love this Mary! While I do love nature photos, I love architectural photos even more. You caught some beautiful light. I can hardly wait to go back to NY now!
Mary
4/3/2017 03:12:19 pm
Thank you so much Nikki. There is always something to photograph in New York. I too am an architecture fan and can stare at buildings for hours. 3/28/2017 07:37:45 pm
It been so a long time that I haven't return to NY, as a matter of fact the day and exact hour of the Twin Towers, I was on the telephone with a travel agent booking a vacation for me and my daughter. We never went of course. My heart goes to all people involved in the tragedy.
Mary
4/3/2017 03:17:21 pm
Fabiola I was in Greece then, in front of the tv set not believing what I saw. One can never forget those images. Thank you and I'm glad I bought back some happy memories. 3/29/2017 02:37:31 pm
We visited NYC last year - I find the architecture fascinating and so prefer the older buildings to the ultra modern new ones. Thanks so much for sharing your photos with Awesome Life Friday!
Mary
4/3/2017 03:14:48 pm
Lynda New York is so full of history. And those older buildings are a marvel to observe. Thank you. Great post, Mary! I lived in NY for many years, and still live close enough to pop in often. I must say that when I was living and working there, I barely had time to glance up, as you said, and now, that I go in to NYC just for fun, I'm much more likely to take my time and look around. Thanks for sharing at Best of the Weekend!
Mary
4/3/2017 02:24:37 pm
Thank you Amy for the feature. I love this city and yes as New Yorkers we are so busy rushing about we have to time to stop and observe it's beauty. I hope you continue to enjoy this great city. Next time I go up I'll have to photograph a different neighborhood. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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I'm Mary and I recently moved to New York from beautiful Greece. I like to re-purpose and up-cycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York. Follow me
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