Category Archives: around town

The devil is in the details, or is it?

But details tell nothing essential about architecture, simply because the goal of all good architecture is to create integrated wholes.

Experiencing Architecture by Steen Eiler Rasmussen

Details stimulate the eye. I have been advising you to look for those.

Rasmussen speaks as a member of the profession.

His advice, insights, and points of view take looking around to a new level.

Tooddlin aroun

Colors caught my eye
The Lexington Candy Store was a “featured player” in the film 3 Days of the Condor. Robert Redford was the star.
The waythe scaffoldings embrace just the water tower floors at the top intrigued me.
It’s a balconey! Do they make use of it?
I am embarrassed that I can’t remember what was on this corner. I do remember that once upon a time, ads like this one for Pearline were painted on the sides of buildings. History revealed as time marches on.

In the early 1970s

I lived here at 252 E 89th St. long ago. It’s been over 50 years, and the white sandstone facade has changed to a uniform brickwork across three neighboring three entryways.

My landlord and I were at odds so frequently. We spoke so often that I felt like we had become fast friends.

My apartment on the first floor opened out to street noises via the a.c. sleeve.

The sudden sound of a voice seemingly in my home often surprised and disconcerted me.

My memory may be imperfect. I often doubt myself.

This is what I remember vividly. I am reminded every time I pass this way.

Mood swing

These dormer windows [photo 1&3] look like 4 little rowhouses in the air. The water tower [top right picture] is hidden in an architectural extension on the roof.

All those cranes have been hanging around the neighborhood and now things are going up fast.

The young man behind this wagon stepped away this afternoon. He has industriously worked this block for several weeks now.

When I first spotted him, I noted his hopeful attitude that hard work would see him through life on the streets. I doubt it will be enough. A rich nation should find remedies for such arduous poverty.