Exploring the Grand Concourse, From Art Deco Buildings to Yankee Stadium

Did you know that the Bronx's Grand Concourse is home to the largest collection of art deco residential buildings in the world? It's time to uncover the incredible architecture and story of the "Park Avenue of the Bronx" like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the historic apartment buildings and mansions on the Grand Concourse, a thoroughfare through the Bronx modeled on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Led by Sam Goodman, a Bronx-born urban planner in the office of the Bronx Borough President, our unique experience between 161st & 166th Streets on the Grand Concourse will include:

• The history and story behind the Grand Concourse’s creation, and why it was commonly referred to as the “Park Avenue of the Bronx”
• A look at several Art Deco apartment buildings, and stops at historic statues, mosaics, and monuments to hear their remarkable stories, such as how a fountain made its way to the Bronx from Düsseldorf, Germany in 1899
• A discussion around Sam’s family history and personal experiences living in the Bronx during the early and mid-20th century
• An in-depth look at the neighborhood’s shifting cultural and economic fabric over the past century
• The neighborhood impact of Yankee Stadium throughout the 20th century

Click here to see pictures from one of our last visits to the Grand Concourse.

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

*This tour concludes at 161st Street and the Grand Concourse

About Sam

Sam Goodman was born in 1952 and lived on the Grand Concourse for his first fifteen years. In 1987 he purchased a Grand Concourse cooperative apartment, where he has resided ever since. Since 1995 Goodman has worked as an urban planner for the Bronx Borough President’s Office. Goodman holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Urban Management and Planning. One of Goodman’s passions is being able to share his memories, knowledge, and perspectives about the Bronx community and the amazing people Goodman calls friends and neighbors.

Testimonials

"Sam Goodman was amazingly knowledgeable guide who was happy to answer any and all questions. The focus on both social history and architectural history was also a perfect fit with my interests." -Peter

"The way that Sam incorporated his personal experience of the neighborhood to the tour. Not only did he know his stuff, he felt it too." -Daniel

"Sam was great. Very informative and personable." -Julie

"Very knowledgeable guide with a tremendous love of his subject matter. Wonderful intersection of the history of the neighborhood with personal stories." -Ralph

"I think it was very informative." -Francis

"I really enjoyed seeing the art deco buildings, and getting to see a part of the city I don't usually visit. It was also interesting to learn about some of the politics/history around building the grand concourse and the related housing issues." -Nicole

"Sam's talk was extremely well thought out & informative. His deep knowledge & passion for the area meant that we all learned a huge amount but were kept entertained all the time - I came away from the event feeling I'd gained a lot of great info." -Mary

"The guide was very knowledgeable. I learned a lot of Bronx history." -Richard

"Seeing a part of New York city that I knew very little about." -Susan

"The guide has a firm grasp on the history of the Grand Concourse and presented it out in an organized manner." -Matthew

"The tour went far beyond architecture and historical facts, but was the personal story of the South Bronx and it's meteroic rise and catostrophic fall. Well organized and fun." -Adam

"Sam the tour guide was very knowledgeable. His history lessons were exceptional. It was fun, entertaining, and a rich learning experience." -Michael

"Was a good tour, Sam was super knowledgeable." -Joy

"Sam was extraordinarily knowlegeable about the Bronx and NYC in general. Very educational!" -Paul

"Sam Goodman is an erudite, passionate advocate for The Bronx and made this tour fascinating. The architectural elements, the political and socio-economic environment of the times were all discussed making this an unusually rich experience." -Berte

"The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area and, more broadly of the Bronx. We learned a ton and had fun." -Julie

"Sam presented a detailed story of The Bronx with a lot of thought-provoking ideas about the role and consequences governance has on a community over time. I've been thinking about it for days since." -Jessica

"Sam was a remarkable fount of information. Fascinating, especially the political background that has put The Bronx in the crosshairs." -Andrea

"Tour Leader was GREAT! Wonderful stories, history, sense of the area" -Debra

"The level of detail about the buildings, the ability to ask questions, the leader's expertise, friendliness, willingness to entertain questions." -Carol

"The presenter. Well credentialed and dedicated to neighborhood." -Joseph

"Extremely well informed guide and personable too." -Glenn

"The tour leader was very knowledgeable." -Harriette

"I thought our guide was very well informed and personable." -Rita

" Wonderful guide, he was incredibly knowledgeable, warm and generous in explaining everything!" -Marcie

" Sam’s knowledge of the history of the Bronx with all its bumps and bruises is what made the tour fantastic." -Sam

" Sam Goodman was a wonderful tour guide. His knowledge of the Bronx and his faith in its people was an inspiration. As a native of the Bronx I found his his tour informative and I will highly recommend it. Thank you" -Lauretta

"I liked the tour guide Sam’s enthusiasm" -Maria

"Great Tour, learned allot, well done 100%" -Stuart

"The tour was excellent. I learned so much and the guide’s passion was contagious. Really appreciated all the details and insights. Thanks much. I almost want to go again to absorb it all! Would love to attend other tours this guide (Ron, I think) offers." -Kristine

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club