May 2014

The top photo shows one vision of urban life, a traditional hutong of Beijing.  The bottom image is a rendering of more towers coming to Beijing.  The towers represent the Chinese Communist Party’s choice of hyper-density for China.   Most of the hutongs were destroyed during the preparation for the Olympic games.  The few that are […]

Build Up or Build Hausmannian? Hausmannian means the typical six-story building one sees in Paris, one of the most dense but liveable cities.  Baron Von Hausmann was responsible for much of the six-story buildings lining the avenues in Paris.  The photo on the right however, is from a Tribeca version of a Hausmannian building.  Hausmannian […]

From left to right meet Stella Rose Schneeberg, Owen Colby, and Simone Schneeberg. They are our community service volunteers this winter and spring.  Stella goes to  Eleanor Roosevelt.  Owen goes to Beacon, and Simone goes to Laguardia. All three put together the SPYBECA scavenger hunt (with Simone doing the artwork). Owen has also developed the […]

  This Saturday, May 3rd is the national “Jane’s Walk” day, held in honor of Jane Jacobs, the writer of “The Death and Life of Great American Cities.”  Jane Jacobs was the woman behind the saving of Soho and the West Village from the highway plans of Robert Moses.  Jane Jacobs was also a fan […]

  Here is a fuzzy 1935 tax photo of what 51 Park Place used to look like.  It is a fine palazzo and could easily be restored to its former glory while still serving as as a mosque or museum.  The owner could save himself a heap of money by choosing restoration instead of demolition.  […]