Built in 1851 before the park, the Central Park Arsenal has been home to zoo animals, the police precinct, and the Department of Parks.
Central Park's oldest structure, the Blockhouse, actually predates the park. It was built by American militia to defend against the British during the War of 1812.
Though Central Park is largely man-made, the rock ridges of NYC parks have been around longer--try 190 million to 1.1 billion years--than you'd think!
See vintage photos Fort Tryon Hall, CKG Billings' $2 million Gilded Age estate whose remains are visible in Fort Tryon Park today. The driveway alone cost $250,000.
Gimbel's skybridge is a copper, three-story structure in Herald Square. To compete with Macy's, Gimbel's store created the bridge to connect to the new annex.
New York City in the Gilded Age, written by Esther Crain with the New York Historical Society reveals the city lifestyle and architecture between 1860 and 1900.
The Central Park Zoo in NYC wasn't part of the original park plan. It started as a menagerie with donated animals and saw its first building in 1875.
Taxis have modernized from the horse drawn carriage to the Checkered cab and array of yellow vehicles. Now, with apps, there is a focus on ridesharing.
The new Urban Urge Awards, launched in honor of architect and teacher Mojdeh Bartaloo, will enable designers and urbanists to effect change in the community.