8–94 W 95th St, Manhattan, located in the Upper West Side, is a neighborhood brimming with history, charm, and a splash of quirkiness. Let's dive into some fascinating tidbits about this area!
The Upper West Side (UWS) has its roots in the 17th century when it was primarily inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans. European settlers started to arrive in the mid-1600s, and the area was part of New Amsterdam, which later became New York City.
19th Century Development
In the 19th century, the Upper West Side began to transform from rural farmland into a more urbanized area. A significant boost came from the construction of the Central Park, which was completed in 1873. The park spurred real estate development along its borders, including the UWS.
Transportation Revolution
The development of Riverside Park and Riverside Drive in the 1870s and 1880s further enhanced the desirability of the area. The arrival of the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line in 1904, part of the first New York City Subway line, revolutionized transportation and made commuting to the area much easier.
Architectural Gems
The Upper West Side is renowned for its beautiful architecture. The area between 8–94 W 95th St features a variety of styles, including Beaux-Arts, Renaissance Revival, and Romanesque Revival. Notable buildings include the Pythian Temple, an Egyptian Revival structure built in 1927 and the Apthorp, a grand apartment building completed in 1908.
Cultural Hotspot
The UWS has been a cultural hotspot for decades. It’s home to the American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869, which has been a cornerstone of education and wonder. The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, opened in 1962, hosts world-renowned performances and houses the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet.
Hidden Facts and Trivia
Strawberry Fields: A living memorial to John Lennon, Strawberry Fields is located in Central Park, just a short walk from the Dakota, where Lennon lived.
The Ghostbusters Building: The 55 Central Park West is famously known as the building from the 1984 movie Ghostbusters.
The Ansonia: Originally built as a luxury hotel in 1904, the Ansonia has a quirky history, including a rooftop farm that housed live poultry and even a bear!
The Bloomingdale Insane Asylum: Before the area was fully developed, it was home to the Bloomingdale Insane Asylum, which operated from 1821 to 1894.
Literary Legends: The UWS has been home to numerous literary legends, including J.D. Salinger and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Famous Residents
Theodore Roosevelt: Before becoming the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt lived on the UWS.
George Gershwin: The iconic composer George Gershwin lived at 316 W 103rd St.
Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has been a longtime resident of the UWS.
Modern Era
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Upper West Side has continued to thrive. The area is known for its diverse population, excellent schools, and vibrant cultural scene. It remains one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods, combining historical charm with modern conveniences.
Fun Fact
- The Seinfeld Diner: While the exterior shots of Monk's Cafe in the TV show Seinfeld were filmed at Tom's Restaurant on Broadway and 112th St, the actual diner is just a stone's throw from 95th St.
Conclusion
Oops, no conclusion! There you have it—a treasure trove of trivia and hidden facts about the history and charm of the Upper West Side, specifically around 8–94 W 95th St, Manhattan, New York. Dive deeper into each link to uncover even more about this iconic neighborhood!