Monday was Washday

Monday was Washday

Boulevard Encore, Broadway

By Claudie Benjamin Talk about finds on the Upper West Side: Twenty- four years ago, Tiga McLoyd, Real Estate entrepreneur and a broker with Corcoran, took chance by the horns. His risk materialized as gold in the form of a 900 sq. one-bedroom apartment with a view at the Lincoln Spencer at 140 West 69th Street. He’s been living...
The Old Community – before Urban Renewal

The Old Community – before Urban Renewal

Black History Month, Urban Renewal

By Megan Fitzpatrick Today we are bringing you a little known story about a community of Black artists that took place in the West 90s of the Upper West Side. The image on the left shows West Park Village which was built in the spot where previously sat six blocks of rowhouses. Deemed a ‘slum’ by City officials these buildings and the...
Ever-expanding and Kaleidoscopic Change

Ever-expanding and Kaleidoscopic Change

Columbus Circle

By Claudie Benjamin Columbus Circle has been a moving target for decades with its character and the geography of its traffic routes changing over time.  In the early 1940s, artist Henry E. Schnakenberg (1892-1970) who then lived on West End Avenue, captured the vitality of the southeast corner of West 58th Street. The painting, now part...
Balancing UWS studio with Upstate Pig Farming

Balancing UWS studio with Upstate Pig Farming

West 72nd Street

By Claudie Benjamin Celebration is the way Melanie Wesslock describes life. Her professional life as a portrait and event photographer involves her in many profoundly special celebratory moments. Take, for example, her images of a surprise proposal on Bow Bridge in Central Park last fall. Then another photo...