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Manhattan's Upper West Side: The Evolution of a Neighborhood

Photo of Hank Orenstein
Hosted By
Hank O.
Manhattan's Upper West Side:  The Evolution of a Neighborhood

Details

This tour is repeated from the one held last Sunday, July 27th.

RSVP's open Wednesday, July 30th at 9:00pm. Space is set aside for new members, first and 2nd timers who land on the waiting list. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot after you have registered.

This tour is free with a welcome donation to your guide/organizer at the end via cash, Venmo or Zelle.

To Bring: Water to drink and sun protection.

SCHEDULE:
4:30pm: Meet in front of Barnes & Noble on Broadway between 82nd-83rd Streets. Arrive early to use the restrooms in the cafe upstairs.
4:30pm - 7;00pm: Guided walking tour
Optional social gathering, enjoy a bite and/or a drink at Pier 1 Cafe in Riverside Park

OVERVIEW
Back in 1890, the Upper West Side and Central Park West looked like the picture above! What happened? This free tour (with voluntary donation) will cover the Upper West Side from 89th Street - 72nd Street.

From its humble beginning as the hamlets of Harsenville and the village of Bloomingdale, the Upper West has evolved over the past 100 years as one of NYC’s most desirable neighborhoods and one of the most densely settled places in America. Join us on this guided walk to learn about the history and development of the West Side from farms and country estates to the iconic apartment houses, brownstones and architectural treasures.

The Upper West Side is home to NYC's largest historic district and some of the world's most magnificent apartment buildings and beautiful brownstone streets. We'll also talk about the history of Broadway as a major thoroughfare, having started out as an American Indian trail. We'll bring to life the creation of both Central Park and Riverside Parks and their impact on the development of the neighborhood. We'll visit the site of Edgar Allan Poe's mid 1800's home, and the "Villa Julia" mansion which functions today as a children's school.

Optional afterparty: The tour will end in Riverside Park's Pier 1 at 70th Street restrooms, and food and drink available for purchase (credit cards accepted). Below is a link to the menu.
https://www.piericafe.com/

Cheers from Hank!

hankorenstein@gmail.com
646-596-3005

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Exploring NYC History and Neighborhoods
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Sunday, August 3, 2025
6:00 PM
Barnes & Noble
2289 Broadway · New York, NY
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