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coworkingTribeca
Tribeca, short for "Triangle Below Canal Street," is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Its boundaries have evolved over time, but are generally defined as follows:
- North: Canal Street
- South: Vesey Street (though some consider Park Place or Murray Street as the southern border)
- East: Broadway
- West: West Street (along the Hudson River)
Originally, Tribeca was a smaller triangle-shaped area, but its borders have expanded over the years due to its increasing popularity and real estate market dynamics. The neighborhood now forms more of a quadrilateral shape rather than a triangle, but the name has stuck.
History
Tribeca's history is rich and diverse, reflecting the broader development of New York City:
- Early Settlement: In the 17th century, the area was farmland owned by Dutch settlers.
- 18th Century: In 1705, the land was given to Trinity Church by Queen Anne.
- 19th Century: Tribeca became one of the first residential neighborhoods developed beyond New York City's colonial boundaries.
- Industrial Era: By the mid-19th century, Tribeca transformed into a commercial and industrial hub, particularly for produce, dry goods, and textiles.
- Decline: In the 1960s, the area experienced an industrial downturn.
- Artist Influx: Starting in the 1970s, artists began moving into the spacious, vacant lofts, initiating the neighborhood's revitalization.
- Residential Conversion: Many warehouses were converted into residential lofts, leading to zoning disputes and the formation of the TriBeCa Artists' Co-op.
- Modern Era: Tribeca has become one of Manhattan's most desirable and expensive neighborhoods, known for its celebrity residents and the Tribeca Film Festival.
Types of Buildings
Tribeca's architectural landscape is a blend of historic and modern structures:
- Cast-Iron Buildings: Many of these 19th-century structures have been preserved and converted into residential or mixed-use spaces.
- Red-Brick Warehouses: Former industrial buildings now serve as trendy lofts and luxury residences.
- Modern High-Rises: Contemporary buildings like 56 Leonard Street (the "Jenga Building") add to the skyline.
- Converted Lofts: Many artists' lofts have been transformed into upscale apartments.
- Historic Landmarks: Buildings like the Verizon Building and 32 Avenue of the Americas showcase the area's architectural heritage.
Subways
Tribeca is well-served by public transportation, with several subway lines providing easy access:
- 1, 2, and 3 trains: Chambers Street station
- A, C, and E trains: Canal Street station
- N, Q, R, and W trains: Canal Street station
- 4, 5, and 6 trains: Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station (nearby)
These subway connections make Tribeca easily accessible from other parts of Manhattan and beyond.
Restaurants
Tribeca boasts a diverse and high-quality dining scene:
- The Odeon: A chic bistro and celebrity favorite.
- Max: Known for its Italian cuisine and vibrant outdoor ambiance.
- Laughing Man Coffee: A popular coffee shop near Duane Park.
- Tribeca Grill: Co-owned by Robert De Niro, this upscale restaurant is a neighborhood staple.
- Locanda Verde: An Italian taverna by chef Andrew Carmellini.
- Nobu: The famous Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant has a location in Tribeca.
Museums
While Tribeca isn't primarily known for its museums, there are several cultural institutions in and around the neighborhood:
- The Skyscraper Museum: Located nearby in Battery Park City, it explores the history and design of tall buildings.
- New York City Fire Museum: Just north of Tribeca, it showcases the history of firefighting in New York.
- National Museum of the American Indian: A short distance away in the Financial District.
- 9/11 Tribute Museum: Located nearby, it offers a personal history of the September 11 attacks.
Retail Stores
Tribeca offers a mix of high-end boutiques, designer stores, and unique shops:
- Steven Alan: A multi-brand boutique known for its curated selection.
- Nili Lotan: A local designer's flagship store.
- Shinola: The Detroit-based watch and leather goods company has a store in Tribeca.
- Mysterious Bookshop: A specialty bookstore focusing on mystery and crime fiction.
- Babesta: A trendy children's clothing and toy store.
Company Offices
Several notable companies have offices in Tribeca:
- Citigroup: Their corporate and investment banking arm is headquartered at 388 Greenwich Street.
- Condé Nast: The media company has offices in the nearby One World Trade Center.
- Spotify: The music streaming giant has offices in 4 World Trade Center, just south of Tribeca.
- AT&T: The former AT&T Long Lines building at 32 Avenue of the Americas is a significant landmark.
Universities
While Tribeca isn't a traditional university district, it is home to several educational institutions:
- Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC): Part of the City University of New York system, BMCC's campus spans four blocks in Tribeca.
- New York Law School: An independent law school located primarily along Worth Street.
- Pace University: While its main campus is in the nearby Civic Center area, some facilities extend into Tribeca.
- New York Academy of Art: A private graduate school focusing on figurative art.
- Metropolitan College of New York: Located on Canal Street, offering various undergraduate and graduate programs.
Conclusion
Tribeca's evolution from farmland to industrial center to artistic haven and now to a luxurious residential area showcases the dynamic nature of New York City's neighborhoods. Its unique blend of historic architecture, modern amenities, cultural significance, and prime location continues to make it one of the most desirable areas in Manhattan.
