Exploring Lost Lower Park Avenue: New York's Famed Thoroughfare

While the development of Park Avenue both above and below 59th Street has been shaped by the railroad tracks running underneath the roadway, it's the segment below 59th Street that has had the more varied, interesting past. That's because in the 20th century, it underwent two major redevelopments: first, as Terminal City, an elegant series of prewar apartment buildings around a landscaped median that put the “Park” in Park Avenue — and second, as the home for corporate headquarters built in the postwar international style. It's time to hit the streets and explore what still remains of Lower Park Avenue.

Join New York Adventure Club as we trace the development of Park Avenue between 17th and 59th streets as it evolved from a nondescript Fourth Avenue to one of the most famous boulevards in the world.

Led by author and lawyer Bob Pigott, our urban hike up Lower Park Avenue will include:

• How Park Avenue was shaped by Commodore Vanderbilt in the 1800s through his decisions to build train depots and sink sections of the tracks
• The era of Park Avenue as a 19th century manufacturing hub, for products ranging from Steinway Pianos to Schaefer Beer
• The origin story of Fourth Avenue becoming Park Avenue above Union Square, and where the "Park" of Park Avenue came from
• The short life of residential apartments as part of Terminal City, a proposed urban development plan featuring elegant prewar building that lasted barely two generations
• How Park Avenue served as the backyard to major NYC institutions and venues, including Columbia University and Madison Square Garden
• Tales of scandal and savagery along the stretch, such as the M**der of Andrew Haswell Green, the Father of Consolidated New York City, which was carried out on the steps of his row house at 91 Park Avenue
• A visit to remnants of old Lower Park Avenue hiding in plain sight

See you there!

*Please bring water and a pair of comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the duration of the tour

**This experience will finish two miles north at Park Avenue and 59th Street

About Robert

Robert Pigott has been practicing law in New York City for over 25 years, and, though he began walking at an unremarkable age, has been exploring its streets for over 50 years. A specialist in nonprofit law, he has worked in private practice and the New York Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, and he is now the general counsel of a 100-year-old New York City nonprofit organization. 

Robert is the author of New York's Legal Landmarks: A Guide to Legal Edifices, Institutions, Lore, History and Curiosities on the City’s Streets, which can be purchased by clicking here.

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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club