This is the tour for lovers of skyscrapers and architecture; for those ready to explore the most iconic path through the heart New York’s urban jungle: 42nd St. We will see four of the tallest buildings in New York and enter two of them, craning our necks to compare their soaring heights. In addition we will take in two of the cities grandest public spaces, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal.
 Modern skyscrapers including the 3rd tallest in New York: The Bank of America Tower (right). |
 The sun sets on the traffic 42nd St. and the iconic Chrysler Building |
The New York Public Library – now over 100 years old
We will learn about the transformation of one of New York’s most successful parks, visit the lobby used as Superman’s Daily Planet, and see two of the cities “greenest” structures, built almost 50 years apart. In addition, we will explore the first residential apartment complex in the world: a peaceful and striking contrast to the commercial hustle and bustle of the rest of the street.
Ray discusses Bryant Park and this gold-and-black building, the subject of a painting by Georgia O’Keeffe
The tour will end at the United Nations, looking proudly out over the East River. Afterwords, visitors will have the option of visiting the U.N. on their own.
Meeting Place: The lobby of Bank of America Tower, 1 Bryant Park at 42nd St. and 6th Ave.
Closest Trains: B, D, F, M to 42nd St – Bryant Park, N, Q, R, #7 to 42nd St – Times Square, A, C, E to 42nd St – Port Authority, #4, 5, 6 to 42nd St – Grand Central
Note: The ideal time for this tour is during the week when we can enter the most skyscraper lobbies. However it is still quite worthwhile and enjoyable on the weekends.
The 85-year old Tudor City, in front of Kevin Roche’s striking United Nations Plaza
The fabulous Art Deco elevator doors of the Chrysler building
