In 1900, the consolidated Greater New York City was only two years old and it was growing, not just outward but skyward. These are the ten tallest buildings in New York City in 1900. They were constructed in the decade before the turn of the century. Today half of these structures remain standing, though now dwarfed by their neighbors. This story is adapted from the Skyscraper Museum's "Ten & Taller."

The NYC subway is more than a means of transit; it's a living, breathing entity that tells a story at every stop. It acts as the city's vascular network, essential in weaving together the rich mosaic of neighborhoods, cultures, and economic activities. This complex system embodies the heartbeat of New York, vibrating to the diverse culture of its people, each station providing a different window into the spirit of the city. It is also a great reflection on the dynamics of urban change by witnessing the disparity between stations that shine with modernity and those that languish in the shadows of neglect. This contrast raises critical questions about resource allocation, city planning priorities, and the impact on the communities that rely on this crucial transit network. A consideration of inequality in the subways provides a window to rethink what our city and its subway system should and could be. A place where infrastructure serves all communities with fairness and dignity, where the richness of each neighborhood is celebrated and preserved, and where the future of urban living is shaped by the voices of its people. Join me in this exploration, as we look at the layers of New York City's subway system. Together, we'll discover the challenges it faces, celebrate the vibrancy it harbors, and envision a future where it emerges not just as a transit system, but as a symbol of a more connected, equitable, and thriving city.

Former National Park Bank Building, 216 Broadway, ca. 1895.

St. Paul Building & St. Paul's Chapel, ca. 1907. While many skyscrapers were made taller by pointed roofs or cupolas, George B. Post's St. Paul Building (1897) reached its lofty height with a flat roof. Its neoclassical style, with its many-layered rows of columns, was consistent with older neighboring buildings. The St. Paul Building was 315 feet tall. The 26-story building was demolished in 1958 and replaced by the Western Electric Building.

Between 1954 and 1957, the Municipal Art Society surveyed historic buildings in all five boroughs to create a database of potential landmarks to preserve. Local residents and MAS staff compiled individual sheets devoted to about 200 buildings. Each sheet outlined the building’s date, location, and style and provided a description and a small photograph. This is the list of Manhattan buildings.