New York Daily Photo Analytics

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Gwathmey Astor Place

The East Village, even though very gentrified now, was always the center of the most radical political and artistic activities in NYC. This recently completed residential building, new and controversial in style and impact, has brought the forces of the old and new into visual conflict. Some love it, some hate it, some praise the interiors and very much dislike the exterior (article). Surrounded by old buildings that still have the feeling of the tenement about them, even if they cost the earth to live in these days, this "starchitected" building raises the stakes considerably - prices start at $3 million and go to $12 million. About half of the units are sold, rumor has it to wealthy media people along the lines of well known actor and director types. We are trying to imagine the changes that will certainly come when these people actually move in and start interacting in a neighborhood still full of cheap student restaurants, street vendors and fierce hold out residents from the old radical days. But as usual, we get used to changes and upheavals quickly and eventually this place will blend into the background once it gets weathered in a bit ...

16 comments:

Sam said...

Well, the cheap student restaurants will start charging more, and the students will go hungry and start to beg on the streets as the gap between rich and poor widens, and...Oh dear! I have to stop reading the news!
LOL!
Lovely photo!!

Nuno said...

I will not say a word about the building himself, but in this reflection looks gorgeous!
This photo is from the inside of a car isn't?

Bob said...

Nice photo with reflections. I think these buildings are made from kits nowadays. Architects just put the bits together in different ways.

Anonymous said...

I've always loved this type of building that can reflect the sky.However, the prices for the apartments are OBSCENE! I hope the radicals make it impossible for the greedy price gluttons to enjoy their undeserved money. They disgust me.
Chris.

Anonymous said...

From all the photos I've seen, it seems to banal a building to come across as a freestanding sculpture. I'm sure the interiors are delightful, though.

Brian Dubé said...

This photo was taken through the window of KMart's 2nd floor across the street. Ironically, this is one of the best views of Astor Place and Lafayette Street - one of the most fashionable areas of New York in the 1800s. You now have on this corner: the Gwathmey, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble Books, KMart, Cooper Union. And just down the block, The Blue Man Group and the Public Theater. That's contrast!
Brian

AnnJay said...

Stunning , grotesque. but the reflection tones it down & takes the edge of the sheer formidability. Well done! I enjoy the complexity, exitement & special corners of NY.

Anonymous said...

Super color scheme, I like it! Good job. Go on.
»

Anonymous said...

Very pretty site! Keep working. thnx!
»

Anonymous said...

Nice! Where you get this guestbook? I want the same script.. Awesome content. thankyou.
»

Anonymous said...

Great article! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for interesting article.

Anonymous said...

Nice Blog!

Anonymous said...

Thank You! Very interesting article. Do you can write anything else about it?

Anonymous said...

Very interesting site. Blog is very good. I am happy that I think the same!

Anonymous said...

Excellent website. Good work. Very useful. I will bookmark!