NYC #3- Gentrified LES...

The Lower East Side (LES) was still gritty when I first visited a few years ago, but a lot has changed. There is still the graffiti covered buildings, and iron gates on storefronts, but there is also another side... Seaming with money. Like SOHO twenty years ago, the juxtaposition of money and grit can be quite odd (and lovely).


The Hotel on Rivington (aka THOR) stands out like a hipster would in Sheridan, WY. It is the tallest structure around, and so starkly modern, that many of the buildings nearby can't compete for attention. My understanding is that the hotel was built on a vacant lot, which for me is fine. But... I would hate to see 19th century buildings lost for new ones, just to make money.


I didn't take much time to photograph "teany", Moby's little tea shop down the street from THOR, but I see he has added a "to go" shop next door. I am not sure I agree with the color change from calm green and white, to urgent yellow and red. I get the point... But it could have been done better.


This is the LES most of us are familiar with, at least in pictures. This is still prevalent, but disappearing fast.


What is odd is the boutiques hidden behind the roll-down iron gates (No doubt installed when the nabe was less than safe. The dichotomy of the past and present is truly an experience, which is probably why I love this nabe so much.


A glistening manikin, and a teapot?... Hmmm, not feelin it.