When Tribeca rose from historically humble and jumbled roots, it was first known as TriBeCa. That title stood for “TRIangle BElow CAnal” Street. But it grew into a creative district with many artists’ lofts and movie production and dropped the extra capital letters. Growth brought along a huge drop in crime since its earliest days in 1990s. It’s now one of the safest neighborhoods in a very safe city.
by David Stone
A Feature of the Roosevelt Island Daily News
Tribeca, New and Better Without Losing the Old and Character
The neighborhood, originally known as TriBeCa, got the name because it was located in the triangle formed by Canal Street, Broadway, and the Hudson River. The area had been largely commercial and industrial, but as the urban economy changed, it turned residential. It’s now better known for art galleries, restaurants, and luxury lofts. It went from meatpacking and warehousing in downtown Manhattan to a thriving and trendy community.
Artists’ lofts, upscale shopping, and movie production vitally altered the area. With privacy at a premium, celebrities like John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette, before their deaths, made homes in anonymous-looking lofts that wouldn’t attract fans.
Tribeca apartments…
Tribeca apartments are a popular choice for those looking for luxurious and trendy accommodations in downtown Manhattan. The buildings are mostly historic, and many of them have been converted into luxury lofts. The apartments are expensive, but they come with many amenities, including a 24-hour doorman, a concierge, a fitness center, and a laundry room.
Many colorful streets, including Duane and Reade, named after politicians James Duane (1733-1797) and Joseph Reade (1694-1771), intersect. Local drugstore chain Duane Reade had its first store here and kept the name as it expanded throughout the city.
Tribeca’s streets are ofter narrow because they were mapped out long before cars and trucks came along. Tree-lined sidewalks and cobblestone streets survive in some places. Tribeca has views of the Hudson River along with Manhattan skyscrapers on all sides.
New on the streets
Historic buildings from Tribeca’s past dot the blocks from when it was an industrial district. But first floors are now more often boutiques, art galleries and restaurants with luxury lofts above.
The neighborhood is home of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Tribeca Film Festival is an annual international film festival founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in Tribeca in the aftermath of 9/11. They hoped to revitalize downtown Manhattan, and they succeeded.
The festival has become a destination event for filmmakers from all over the world as well as a major economic driver to New York City. The festival brings together top actors, directors and musicians to create one of the most exciting public events in New York each year.
Tribeca also hosts Tribeca Film Center.
Art Galleries and Restaurants in Tribeca
If you’re visiting and you love art, great information is available in the New York Times Gallery Guide. This vivid guide crosses all tastes and styles. You won’t run out of choices, but you will get hungry…
Some restaurants you might enjoy…
Tribeca Grill – 375 Greenwich Street
Locanda Verde – also at 375 Greenwich Street
Shake Shack – 215 Murray Street
The Dutch – 131 Sullivan Street
Blue Ribbon Sushi – 119 Sullivan Street
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A Different Kind of Bet
For years, Roosevelt Island did not behave like a system constrained by limits. Internally, the budget was often treated less as a boundary and more as a reservoir to be used.
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