Bryant Park

Bryant Park on the Web

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:23:00 -0500

Filling in City Holes with Legos from Gothamist
Artist Jan Vormann patches up the city, including a crack in the side of Bryant Park’s restroom, with colorful blocks

Bryant Park in Motion from the MTA
The subway station at 42nd St and 6th Ave hosts viewer-activated digital art during the month of March, inspired by the park and its amenities

On our radar

Surface Improvements from the Wall Street Journal
The city launches a design competition to beautify the permanent Times Square pedestrian plazas on Broadway

Scenes from Bryant Park

Purple pansies line the 40th Street Allee, awaiting transfer to larger planters throughout the park

Shop Bryant Park: Liberty of London for Target Pop-Up

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:10:00 -0500

Shop Bryant Park guest posts are written by Fashion Herald, resident retail blogger for Bryant Park Corporation’s sister company, the 34th Street Partnership.

What’s every girl’s ideal harbinger of spring? A pop-up store awash in color and flowery print dresses, of course. But don’t wait for the tulips to bloom to enjoy this Liberty of London pop-up store for Target, because here’s how the store looked last night right before closing time:

I asked about restocking, and the clerks told me all the merchandise was out on the floor last night. But this morning all the shelves were full again: relief. I saw lots of sundresses, some of the longer dresses, lots of kids, tons of rainboots, and a couple boxes of men’s boxers. No shirtdresses, and, as far as I could tell, no shirts. You can still pick up some of the housewares, including the white piggy bank and some plates.

And perhaps you’d like to make a grand exit from this fun pop-up store on one of these ($199.99 for adult bike, $169.99 for kid’s):

Update: Pop-up has closed up shop early! Sign on the door says “sold out.” Plan on stalking the collection online very early Sunday morning.

Liberty of London for Target Pop-Up, 1095 Sixth Avenue at 42nd St, NW corner of Bryant Park

Open 9am-8pm through March 13th

Launching in three days online

Bryant Park Benchmarks: Nick Ashford

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:39:50 -0500

On a bench nestled in Bryant Park’s gardens bordering the south side of the lawn, is a plaque reading “Nick Ashford Slept Here”. Purchased by his wife in 1996, the plaque symbolizes Nick Ashford’s incredible rags to riches story.

Before becoming one half of Ashford & Simpson, a dynamic songwriting, producing, and performing duo, Ashford was just another New York City transplant with his sights set on the music business. He struggled to make it without income or a place to live. In the early 1960’s Ashford began spending his nights in Bryant Park, a well known haven for drug dealers and derelicts at the time.

Hoping to find a free meal at White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, Ashford met Valerie Simpson who was singing with the church’s choir. The pair began writing songs and singing together, and in 1974 they were married.

The couple’s collaborative career spans the genres of Motown, R&B, and Pop-Soul. In addition to recording multiple gold records of their own, Ashford & Simpson penned hit songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “You’re All I Need To Get By”, and “I’m Every Woman” for legends like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight. A radio show, television appearances, and memorable live performances at venues across the globe are also on the duo’s long list of achievements.

Simpson bought the plaque as a gift for Ashford on his 53rd birthday, as a reminder of their remarkable journey together and a donation to help beautify the park he had once called home.

Read the story behind the Bryant Park Benchmarks Campaign here

Coming Soon to Bryant Park: Earth From Above

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:38:38 -0500

Here’s a sneak peak at Earth From Above, the exciting outdoor photography exhibit coming to Bryant Park in just four weeks.

115 large scale aerial images by renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand will be on display in Bryant Park, accompanied by educational information on important environmental and social issues we face today.

Earth From Above has already visited 120 cities worldwide including London, Tokyo, Beirut, and Sydney. Don’t miss the Bryant Park exhibit, which is the kick off of Earth From Above’s first United States tour.

Earth From Above
A public art exhibit
April 2 – May 28, 2010
Bryant Park

Photos from pictureearth.org

Bryant Park on the Web

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:46:00 -0500

Good Taste That Outlives the Tents from The New York Times
Reviews of food (including Irish chocolate!) and fashion found on West 40th Street, adjacent to Bryant Park

On our radar

Got a Ride? Share It from the WNYC News Blog
An experimental taxi ride share program from the Taxi and Limousine Commission began this week in Manhattan

Clash Over Plans for a Brooklyn Park from The New York Times
Area residents disagree with Brooklyn borough president over future plans for the renovation and usage of Asser Levy park

Scenes from Bryant Park

Gertrude Stein by JinalNYC from the Bryant Park Flickr Pool

Signs of Spring at Bryant Park

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:34:04 -0500

Look out for these signs of spring over the next few weeks in Bryant Park:

Daffodils poking their yellow heads through the gardens…

…people lingering in the park a little longer during lunch breaks…

…and a green lawn establishing roots at the center of the park.

We are currently leveling the soil in the lawn area to prepare for sod installation. In approximately two weeks over 5,000 sod rolls will arrive from Long Island, ready to take center stage as the Bryant Park lawn!

Bryant Park Benchmarks

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:56:25 -0500

In 1995 (the days when Bryant Park Corporation was the “Bryant Park Restoration Corporation”), we launched a creative program to help raise funds for continued improvements on the park. If you’ve ever noticed the engraved bronze plaques adorning our wood and cement benches throughout the park, then you’ve seen the products of the Benchmarks Campaign.

The program allowed patrons to leave a permanent mark on their favorite midtown spot, in exchange for a contribution to the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation. Along with an engraved plaque, Benchmarks Campaign members received an artistic print of “their” bench and a card granting them access to the park after closing hours to enjoy sole custody of the bench.

The following excerpt from the campaign brochure explains the motivating factors for becoming a Benchmarks member.

“By joining the Benchmarks Campaign, your donation triples in value: it pays tribute to the person or group whose name is engraved, it contributes to the vitality of Bryant Park, and it gives you the satisfaction of knowing you have played an important role in the most dramatic urban renaissance project of the greatest city on earth.”

So why did we discontinue the Benchmarks Campaign? The simple answer is, we ran out of benches! A total of 37 plaques were purchased by figures in the New York City business world, celebrities of music and television, and people who just plain love the park.

There are interesting people and stories behind many of the bench plaques (a Beatle’s wife, a mystery writer and his readers, and a New York City survival story, to name a few). Stay tuned to the blog for more.

Snow Days of Yore

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0500

The recent snowfall showed us how beautiful the park looks under a blanket of fresh white snow. The Bryant Park of the past was no different…

Bryant Park, 1897

From ‘Reservoir Square’ to ‘Bryant Park’, this photo was taken from 42nd Street facing southeast, around the time of the New York Public Library construction. The statue you see is no longer in the park.

Bryant Park, 1939

Against a vastly different skyline than today, this photo faces west from behind the New York Public Library. You can see the London Plane trees as saplings and the Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain on the Sixth Avenue side of the park.

Read more about the park’s history and monuments at bryantpark.org.

Bryant Park on the Web

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:24:00 -0500

View of Earth From Above Coming to Bryant Park from Gothamist
News blogs are spreading the word about our upcoming photo exhibition, Earth From Above

Tweet@BryantParkNYC
Follow us on Twitter and receive instant updates on the latest happenings at Midtown’s favorite park

On our radar

As Garment Industry Moves Out, Theater and Arts Move In from The New York Times
An exciting new arts district is developing west of Bryant Park and south of the existing theatre district

Man Killed by Falling Branch in Central Park from The New York Times City Room Blog
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation urges pedestrians to use caution while walking in parks and under trees during heavy snowfall

Scenes from Bryant Park

Excited park patrons bypass barricades surrounding the lawn this morning to enjoy a photo opportunity in the undisturbed snow. Photo taken from our office at 1065 Avenue of the Americas

Reminder: Please respect any boundaries created by barricades in the park! They are put there for your safety.

Did You Know?

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:22:59 -0500

A count of people in Bryant Park is taken twice daily, at lunchtime and in the evening, rain or shine.

Inspired by the public space principles of urbanist William “Holly” Whyte, we believe that a successful space must be attractive and appealing to women, as they tend to be more discerning patrons and less likely to spend time in dirty or unsafe places.

Comparing counts of male and female park users is one way we keep track of our progress in managing and maintaining Bryant Park. The ratio of men to women is usually close to 50/50. However, we are constantly improving our programming, sanitation services, and design elements in order to attain slightly higher numbers of women every day, which demonstrates another Holly Whyte principle: “You are never finished.”

“Girl-Counter” is a great article from the New Yorker (September 2007) that explains our theories behind people counting and introduces one of the park’s expert counters.

Today in History

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:22:00 -0500

February 22, 1732 marked the birth of our nation’s first President, George Washington. Nowadays, the founding father’s birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday on Presidents Day, along with Abraham Lincoln’s, on the third Monday of February.

What does this have to do with Bryant Park?

In 1932, a replica of Federal Hall was constructed in the park to celebrate the bicentennial of George Washington. The original building was located on Wall Street and it was there that Washington took his first oath of office.

Shortly after the celebration, and filled with debris and construction equipment from the Sixth Avenue subway project, Bryant Park underwent a redesign by architect Lusby Simpson and Park’s Commissioner Robert Moses, bringing it one step closer to the lush Midtown oasis you see today.

Coming Soon to Bryant Park

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0500

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Bryant Park is excited to host Earth From Above, an outdoor exhibition of large scale aerial photographs by renowned photographer and environmentalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

Free and open to the public from April 2 through May 28, 2010, Earth From Above at Bryant Park will feature 115 stunning aerial photographs of the planet, accompanied by related information on environmental and social issues facing the world today. The exhibit will also include an inspiration center to motivate visitors to support sustainable living, a commitment center for scheduling personal action steps, a walkable world map, and a one of a kind exhibition for the visually impaired.

Earth From Above has visited over 120 cities worldwide since the exhibit’s debut in Paris in 2000. The Bryant Park installation marks the launch of Earth From Above’s first United States tour.

Visit pictureearth.org for more information and a preview of Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s beautiful images before they are put on display in the park.

Earth From Above
A public art exhibit
April 2 – May 28, 2010
Bryant Park

Bryant Park on the Web

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:35:50 -0500

The Olympics: How Hard Can It Be? from WSJ.com
A lesson in speed skating from five time Olympic gold medalist, Bonnie Blair, on The Pond at Bryant Park

On our radar

Outcry emerges for 41st St. stop on new 7-line from Crain’s New York Business
After city abandons plans for new 7 train stop at 41st Street and 10th Avenue, real estate leaders launch petition to support construction of the station

San Francisco Takes Parking Spaces for Trial Sidewalk Extensions from Streetsblog San Francisco
Parking spots are converted to park-like public spaces on the west coast

Scenes from Bryant Park

Bryant Park NYC by AF-Photography from the Bryant Park Flickr Pool

Tonight at the Southwest Porch

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:34:56 -0500

Come mix and mingle with fellow bloggers and Twitter lovers tonight at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the winterized Porch (think firepit, heatlamps, and slankets), great conversation, and complimentary drinks and snacks by ‘wichcraft.

Please RSVP to whitneyeichinger@wnco.com or call (214) 792-6604

What: Mix and Mingle, a tweet-up/blog meet-up
When: Wednesday, February 17, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Southwest Porch at Bryant Park
Why: Free drinks, appetizers, and a little mix and mingle, brought to you by Southwest Airlines, ‘wichcraft, and Bryant Park

Fall in Love at Bryant Park?

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:21:43 -0500

Perhaps the park played a role in your Valentine’s Day this year? An anniversary dinner at the Bryant Park Grill, a romantic stroll under the London Planes, or a marriage proposal on Le Carrousel…if you and your significant other are a “Bryant Park Couple” we want to know! Learn more here.

Happy Presidents Day!

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0500

Here’s a piece of Bryant Park/US President trivia you may not know.

During the 1992 Democratic National Convention, a rally for presidential candidate Bill Clinton was held in Bryant Park. Recognize our neighbor, the Grace Building, in the photo below?

This Week in the Park

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0500

Do you blog? Use Twitter? Come mix and mingle with fellow bloggers and Twitter lovers at Bryant Park’s Southwest Porch, brought to you by Southwest Airlines, ‘wichcraft, and Bryant Park Corporation.

What: Mix and Mingle, a tweet-up/blog meet-up
When: Wednesday, February 17, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Southwest Porch at Bryant Park
Why: Free drinks, appetizers, and a little mix and mingle

Please RSVP to whitneyeichinger@wnco.com or call (214) 792-6604

Bryant Park on the Web

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:50:00 -0500

One Last Time, Fashion Under a Tent from The New York Times
A history of Fashion Week at Bryant Park and it’s move to Lincoln Center in September

On our radar

Send photo, get action from The Boston Globe
Via iPhone application, Boston residents can alert city officials of street-level problems in their neighborhoods

A Closing on Broadway Becomes Permanent from The New York Times City Room Blog
Temporary pedestrian plazas on Broadway, created by the Department of Transportation in May 2009, become permanent NYC amenities. Read more about the project here

Scenes from Bryant Park

Created with flickr slideshow.

By staff member Vita, from the Bryant Park Photostream on Flickr

Lions and Turtles and Rams (Oh My!)

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:07:31 -0500

Almost everyone is familiar with Patience and Fortitude, the regal stone lions who watch over the New York Public Library. But a closer look throughout Bryant Park and the Library Terrace reveals more creatures than you may have seen at first glance.

Often overlooked are the bronze bases of two flagpoles at the north and south ends of the Library Terrace. The bases prominently feature four human figures, but peeking out from below each corner is a vicious looking little turtle.

Closer to the top of the bases, cattle skulls and whimsical owl heads mingle with decorative leaves and fruit garlands.

From park records, it seems that the bronze flagpole bases were placed on the Library Terrace around 1911 when the building was completed. Bryant Park Corporation’s archivist is currently researching the significance of the flagpole bases for future posts on the park’s rich history.

Around the corner in the library’s backyard, each entrance to Bryant Park is flanked by two torchieres topped with glass globe lights. The bronze bases of these fixtures are adorned with faces of rams with curly horns, who silently acknowledge park visitors and passersby.

Ten sets of torchieres surround the park and an eleventh set sits at the 42nd Street entrance to the library. The two original torchieres were placed at the library’s side entrance circa 1915. The rest of the fixtures were created and placed in the early 1990’s, when BPC removed one of the originals and sent it away to be reproduced.

Along the park’s many pathways you’ll encounter pigeons, small birds, and occasionally, a lion. The small feline heads on the park’s larger planters often go unnoticed in the warmer months when plants are in full bloom and cascade over the vessel’s edges.

Set into the urns that sit atop the balustrade wall surrounding Bryant Park’s lawn, these little guys have the best view for people watching, all year long.

Bryant Park Grill

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:35:46 -0500

The Bryant Park Grill is a great excuse to visit the park if the winter blues have been keeping you away. Located behind the New York Public Library at the Southeast corner of the park, the Grill serves brunch, lunch, and dinner in a sophisticated dining room and boasts a beautiful bar area.

The menu is full of delicious winter dishes to help tide you over until Spring. Offerings include Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Chowder, Crispy Duck Confit and Asparagus Salad, and Jumbo Lump Crabcakes, to name a few.

End the meal with a divine dessert like Creme Brulee or Peach Upside Down Cake, by chef Anne-Marie (who created an adorable cake last summer for our 75th Anniversary Celebration of the park’s London Plane Trees).

If that isn’t enticing enough, many movies, including 2009 hits Julie & Julia and It’s Complicated, have filmed scenes at the Grill and it’s not uncommon to spot a celebrity dining a few tables away.

Visit the Bryant Park Grill website for the full menu as well as hours and information. Special menu items are frequently posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.