Photo from Library of Congress
Today, the book Broadway by Untapped Cities founder Michelle Young launched, published by Arcadia and featuring nearly 200 vintage photographs chronicling the history of the world-famous street, along with contemporary photographs by Untapped Cities contributors. We’ve asked Michelle to share with us 10 of the most surprising vintage photographs she came across in her research. Check them out here and buy the book on Amazon. Join in for a book talk and signing in New York City at WeWork with Michelle on May 26th, free tickets here.
10. “Mullet’s Monstrosity”: The Demolished City Hall Post Office
Image via Library of Congress featured in Broadway
The French Second Empire-style post office in City Hall Park was almost universally hated and known as “Mullett’s Monstrosity,” after the architect. It was also disliked for taking up precious open space in an already small park. In 1869 when it was constructed, it was the largest post office in the world. It was proposed for demolition in the 1920s but survived until 1939.
Order the book Broadway on Amazon.