The Grace Kelly of Architecture
There she is, the Chrysler Building all aglow as if just coming back from a fancy party, waving to me.
A Grace…to be sure.
This entry was posted in art, Beauty, Culture, Faith, grace, History, inspiration, money, New York City, Politics, words and tagged Donald J. Trump, New York City Landmarks, Robert Moses The Power Broker Robert Caro, The Chrysler Building. Bookmark the permalink.
In our little town it is common for houses to be 100 years old or more. Of course, there are a lot of problems that come with the charm.
Those iconic buildings are the towering redwood or sequoia trees of our cities.
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Those iconic buildings are the towering redwood or sequoia trees of our cities. What a lovely line…Love the word iconic. 🙂
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As always, a greatly enjoy your writing because your style is simple and it speaks to me. 🙂 … Love the quiet in the city before the roar. There is a sadness associated with buildings that are no more. Some maybe needing to go … but others not. Interesting how Europeans seem to embrace old whereas we tear them down.
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My heart breaks Frank when I see what’s before me. Whole blocks with mom and pop stores, all gone. I’m very affected by the changes, that I know are a part of life, but it hurts to see all you’ve known now just a memory. thanks.
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It seems to be ingrained in American culture to always want something new – even if it isn’t really better. I feel sad that your ears are assaulted which such noise. At least you make sure to appreciate the quiet hours.
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It’s my favorite time of day, while the city sleeps except for the likes of me. I always feel safe and terribly graced to be up at that peaceful hour. Thanks, as always.
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SB,
You had me at “The Grace Kelly Of Architecture”, after which you swept me up into this beautifully penned guided tour through the long gone of New York and the current challenges facing some of its most iconic landmarks. Thank God for the Landmarks Preservation Commission indeed! Because they understand the value in aesthetics and symbols, and the reach they provide for their denizens.
We have become a disposable society by and large. Here today, gone in five minutes. And yet . . in an age where sustainability has become the vogue word for responsible parenting of our great blue crib of a world, it applies to our architecture as well. We can’t afford to treat Grace Kelly as if she’s a bottom line decision. We just can’t.
Brava!
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I can’t say enough how the Chrysler Building moves me. My whole being lifts up to meet her. There is no regard for anything anymore if the demolish of it will reap revenue. Money Money Money. I’m so sick of it, how it’s the only thing that defines what’s valuable in our culture. New York has sold out to the highest bidder.
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New York was a one of a kind place for a reason. I mean, it’s bad enough that suburbia has gone “every town” USA. But one of the iconic spots in the world, if New York goes the way of Applebees, all really is lost.
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I think once the Towers fell all bets were off. They replaced them with this hideous structure that should have remained the graveyard that it is. It’s the template for all that’s rising now. It’s all just plain horrible. sigh
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You ever see the documentary “Man On Wire”? It’s about Philippe Petit’s high wire walk across the towers. It’s a beautiful story, and it follows the same dynamic as Bobby at the podium. When I watch it, the towers are still right there.
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I have a photo a friend sent me from Beaver Street, one of the oldest streets downtown, with them majestically looming in the background. I used to have it on my book shelf, but it’s too painful to look at. Still so hard to believe what they did. I’ll never fully recover from it. NEVER.
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You can’t. It’s not possible. I still have so many memories of those towers. Every now and again I’ll watch a movie and there they are, standing guard over the city. I was watching a re-run of Friends recently and a shot flashed on the screen of the towers. I’m always saddened by the thought they’re not standing guard any longer.
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So goes our abbreviated skyline. Sigh
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A story I will never forget from inside another lifetime happened on a visit to NY with my young children. My son, upon seeing the trade center for the first time, said “Daddy, they made a mistake!” I asked him why he said that and he explained that they built two! How odd it is to laugh so hard about a memory and then later, to cry so hard on the very same memory.
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From the mouth of babes. Love that. sigh
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We went up with the kids after the towers were stolen. We’d visit a firehouse and bring a case of apple butter and shoo fly pies because the guys loved it. I wanted my kids to know that bad shit happens in this world and you’re never going to stop it. But don’t be afraid it either. And don’t fight it with more fighting. Change it up. Give something, even if it’s just pies and a handshake.
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That’s a very sweet, though sad tale. Be that change you want to see. Kindness despite the way of our present world, still has its place. Did you hear Gandhi root from the ether? 🙂
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I hear him in the quiet places where people do good things just because. 🙂
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BTW…I love our correspondence. You’re so smart and insightful, with humor as a chaser. My kinda badinage. Want you to know. I realize I don’t comment as fully on your pieces but that’s how I am. Less is more describes me, but never think I’m not moved by any means.
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I do too Susannah, very much so.
And I appreciate and enjoy the comments you leave. I don’t ask for comments, and truth be told I don’t do a very good job of seeking them out. But I have my people inside this blogosphere and you’re one of ’em. 🙂
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You get great responses. You have a coterie of fans like the Stones or Freddy. It’s true. You and Dale and Frank could do panel, no prob. 🙂
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Coterie. DING! DING! DING!
Throw anotha woid into tha file!
In my best (only) Trumpian . . . I’d have a big panel. A HUGE panel! I’d have the best panel in the history of the world, buhhleeve me!
Okay, enough of that nonsense. Yeah, it would be a pretty dang good panel, huh?
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Yes it would. Maybe I could be a part time anchor with little black dress tips. 🙂
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You are in! And you must give me some daily op-eds. Must see TV.
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Okay…excuse me while I polish all my pumps.
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Five minutes everybody!
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Coming!!!
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Me too Mr. Imma. Me too.
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I always loved the Chrysler Building, because it was one I could always identify as we drove into the city. That’s heart-warming to know you have an intimate relationship with her.
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For years it was with the Brooklyn Bridge, that, don’t get me wrong, still resides in my heart, but as of late the Chrysler is my new sweetheart. She just gleams from so many angles. You can see her in Brooklyn and way downtown, and glimpse her from a particular point in Central Park. She’s tall and mighty, svelte and imposing the way she just magically appears. A lady who certainly knows how to make an entrance. 🙂
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She steals our hearts, as well.
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I’ll tell her, next time I see her. 🙂
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It says something when we have to get up at the crack of insane to be able to walk the streets sans earplugs. My own street is being ripped up and they start at 6 am. Just got my new A/C put in this morning so I can finally sleep with the windows closed, allowing me to sleep in a tad more. When one works until 11 pm or later, 6 am is not a welcome wake-up call.
As for beautiful buildings. Thank goodness there are committees and organisations that stand up for them.
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Sorry you have the noise too. I always think of Canada as so pristine and peaceful. Pleasant Dreams. 🙂
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We have our share, dear not. Right now, it is a joke to see the state of Montreal’s streets. Thankfully we also have preservation societies for our beautiful buildings.
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That’s good to hear. I remember being at the Montreal Comedy Festival that’s this week if I’m not mistaken, and how clean everything was. It’s memorable to me.
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It is this week. I dunno about how clean it is… But we do have fabulous areas. Once you get past all the roadwork to get there!
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New York should be ashamed of herself in comparison.
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There are areas that don’t make us proud either, I assure you
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sigh
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Double sigh
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I live in the state capital and it has a long rich history. Some of the old is being torn down on Main St. and the surrounding area but many buildings in the city are being renovated and the old styles are being kept. There is a lot of new modern construction most having to do with the university. Seems there is a new apartment building or condo complex on every other corner. The neighborhood where I live is in a historic area within walking distance of the State House and quaint shopping village that is being restored. The neighborhood association is very active and vocal about what will happen and what won’t. I am grateful for there diligence.
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It sounds great Patricia. I wish there was more of that here. Too many high rises, and ugly at that. Las Vegas decor. Like the MGM Grand minus the casino. sigh
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Gave a nice inspiration!!! Thanks for sharing this!
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Are you an Investment Banker in New York? Curious if you and Grace are acquainted. 🙂
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