January 5, 2012
Blog ArchivesDisused Historic Hangar at Floyd Bennett Field, New York City
Once New York City’s first municipal airfield, Floyd Bennett Field’s buildings are considered important examples of early aviation architecture. But despite their protected status, a number have fallen into disuse.
Alan Weisman: The World Without Us
In 2007 American journalist Alan Weisman published his bestselling book “The World Without Us”, a thought experiment exploring the impact on the built and natural environment if humans were to suddenly disappear. Today, with environmental concerns at the forefront of debate, Weisman’s words offer hope and caution.
6 Lost Airfields of the United States
A wealth of historic airfields can be found scattered across the United States in various states of disrepair. This article examines a range of these abandonments, from international airports to modern military bases and remote airstrips that helped steer the course of history.
5 Eerie Urban Legends of the Natural World
We’ve all heard those bizarre stories that resurface in various forms over the years, gradually becoming ingraining into the annals of urban legend. Here are five tales of the natural world that may have mundane origins, but have been extrapolated over time.
Abandoned Streetcars, Red Hook, Brooklyn
These abandoned streetcars are an unusual sight in a redeveloping corner of Brooklyn, New York. But in the reviving waterfront district of Red Hook, the rusting wrecks are as much a part of the streetscene as the converted warehouses alongside.
Fort Tilden: New York’s Abandoned Military Base
In 1917, when the United States entered a distant war half a world away in Europe, two large forts were constructed in New York City with one purpose in mind – to defend the homeland against potential attack.
Railroad Reinvented: Climb Aboard the High Line
Historic places are often pulverized with the wrecking ball to make way for modern redevelopment. Not so with New York City’s historic High Line railroad, which runs for 1.5 miles through Manhattan’s West Side. Thanks to a small group of people with a grand vision and some imagination, the railroad that once ferried freight around local businesses now transports visitors on a winding tour through Chelsea’s historic industrial district.
New York Subway’s Beautiful Abandoned City Hall Station
With a recent post delving into the murky underground tunnels of London, it seems only right to mention a true gem from another great city’s subterranea – New York City’s long closed City Hall subway station. From the very beginning, this station was envisioned to be the grand centrepiece of a new transport network, yet it has been largely deserted since 1945. Come in and see…
Gargoyles: The Demonic, The Animalistic & The Funny
Have you ever wondered why countless old buildings – especially churches and holy places – have grotesque statues, known as gargoyles, emerging from their roof tops? How would you like these abominable creatures leering at you each time you walk past your own home?