Untapped New York is happy to announce four new virtual talks over the next few months, which will be free for Insiders and start at $10 per ticket for the general public. These are Secrets of the George Washington Bridge, Secrets of the Woolworth Building, Secrets of Manhattan’s High Bridge, and Lost Department Stores of New York. Each of these talks, most of which will be led by Chief Experience Officer Justin Rivers, will be an hour long and will dive deep into New York’s rich history. If you’re not a member yet, join now (and get your first month free with the code JOINUS). Keep reading to learn more about these four new talks and stay tuned for more exciting events coming soon!
Secrets of the George Washington Bridge
It’s the busiest roadway in the United States and of all the bridges in New York City, the George Washington Bridge went up the fastest. From its initial conception down in midtown to its Beaux-Arts stone facade conceived by Cass Gilbert, no other bridge has morphed so dramatically from concept to completion.
On February 24th at 12 p.m., join Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer Justin Rivers as he continues his series exploring the secrets of New York City’s iconic infrastructure. Not only will you learn the secrets of the Great Gray Bridge, but he’ll also throw in the beloved Little Red Lighthouse as well. Find out who really named the George Washington Bridge. Learn About New York City’s Unsung Master Bridge Builder who designed the GWB and four others, including the Verrazzano. Glance at the original Beaux-Arts plans for the bridge scrapped right before construction. And discover how the Brooklyn Bridge and George Washington Bridge are intimately connected.
This event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. If you’re not an insider, become a member now (and use the code JOINUS to get one month free) or purchase a ticket here for $10.
Secrets of the George Washington Bridge
Secrets of the Woolworth Building
This icon of a skyscraper represents Frank Woolworth’s enormous success as the founder of the Woolworth Five and Dime. It was the tallest building in the world for 17 years, announcing Woolworth’s success, wealth, and ego. This skyscraper, designed by one of the most famous architects of the day, would become the benchmark for how to build a modern structure and change architecture forever.
On March 16th at 12 p.m., join Bob Gelber, licensed NYC tour guide, for a romp through the “Cathedral of Commerce,” Frank W. Woolworth’s Company Headquarters. See one of the most beautiful glass ceilings ever installed in a building. Enjoy the cathedral-like details of the interior. Learn about the fireproofing of this building, which made it one of the most fire-proof structures ever created. Discover the amenities in the Woolworth Tower that never existed in a commercial building before in America.
Bob Gelber is a licensed tour guide in NYC for the last 15 years and has been an active member of the Guides Association of NYC, sitting on the Board of Directors for six years and being a member of numerous committees. Bob has also been on staff at the Metropolitan Museum for the last 15 years, as a volunteer, and is an active member and volunteer of OpenHouseNY.
This event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. If you’re not an insider, become a member now (and use the code JOINUS to get one month free) or purchase a ticket here for $10.
Secrets of the Woolworth Building
Secrets of Manhattan’s Oldest Surviving Bridge: The High Bridge
In 1848, the High Bridge was built to bring water to the burgeoning city of New York. Aside from transporting much-needed clean water, the bridge connected the metropolitan borough of Manhattan to the lush rural area of the Bronx, so that both city dwellers and those who lived in the country could easily travel back and forth. After being closed for over forty years, the bridge, built in the style of ancient Roman aqueducts, was opened to pedestrians in the summer of 2015.
On March 30th at 12 p.m., join Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer Justin Rivers for a virtual walk over Manhattan’s oldest surviving bridge. Learn the history behind this unique bridge’s construction and the monumental feat to bring clean drinking water to a thirsty New York. Examine how the High Bridge was one of New York City’s most sought-after attractions during the late 1800s. Debunk a long-standing myth about Edgar Allen Poe and the High Bridge. Discover some of the incredible structural transformations the High Bridge has undergone over the years.
This event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. If you’re not an insider, become a member now (and use the code JOINUS to get one month free) or purchase a ticket here for $10.
Secrets of Manhattan’s Oldest Surviving Bridge: the High Bridge
Lost Department Stores of New York
From more recent losses like Lord & Taylors and Henri Bendels to department stores you may have never heard of like Ridley’s and Koch and Co, the New York City department store has set the tenor for so many shopping, lifestyle, and architectural trends in this city.
On April 14th at 12 p.m., join Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer Justin Rivers as you take a quick stroll down the legendary Ladies’ Mile and explore the aisles of some old favorites like Alexanders, B. Altman’s, and Gimbel’s. Learn how the first NYC department store started with some revenue from Irish linen. Explore how early department stores were the trendsetters in new architectural forms in the 18th century and were the first to employ things like cast iron and elevators. Discover how these old department store buildings have been repurposed and preserved over the years. Virtually stroll down the Ladies’ Mile.
This event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. If you’re not an insider, become a member now (and use the code JOINUS to get one month free) or purchase a ticket here for $10.
Lost Department Stores of New York
Next, check out the Top 10 Secrets of the George Washington Bridge!