Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour
New York, US
96% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Fascinating stories of holdouts and their impact
- Exploring the intriguing side effects of Manhattan's real estate industry
- Discovering the personal stories behind the holdouts
- Seeing unique and unconventional buildings and structures
- Experiencing the everlasting impression left behind by the holdouts
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Duration 2.5 hours
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Professional guide included
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Wheelchair accessible
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Public transport nearby
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Comfortable shoes recommended
Join us on the Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour and uncover the captivating stories behind Manhattan's pressure cooker real estate industry. This 2.5 hour tour takes you through the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan, where you'll discover the transactional anomalies that forever changed the city's streetscape. Hear the tales of property owners and lease holders who refused to sell to developers, forcing them to rework their plans and leaving a lasting impact on the city. From the elderly lady who never knew any other home to the poker player-like landlord who overplayed his hand, these personal stories add a human dimension to the architectural oddities you'll witness. With 16 examples of holdouts, including seemingly ill-planned entrances for skyscrapers and odd-shaped buildings, this tour will leave you in awe of the lasting impression these individuals made. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey through Manhattan's architectural history.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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2 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the hidden stories of NYC's holdouts on this captivating walking tour through Midtown Manhattan's architectural history.
Included
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Professional guide
Excluded
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Gratuities
What to expect
TPR Holdings
We start in lower lobby of this distinctive building where we'll lay the groundwork for the tour, where we'll go and what we'll see. The building itself is the result of holdouts, and our first subject.
15 minutes
Lipstick Building
A fascinating ego building
Citicorp Center
Not a holdout, but a fascinating story is associated with the construction of this building, whose main pillar supports are not in the corners, but in the middle of the side.
Wollensky's Grill
An old buggy whip factory, and a holdout.
5 minutes
Amster Yard
If this oases is open at the time of the tour, we stop in for a moment. A time capsule where histories clash and the city meets the suburbs - - a much earlier one!
5 minutes
Sparks Steak House
This notorious site of a mob hit is next door to an interesting holdout.
5 minutes
Chrysler Building
Stunning views of this stunning landmark are had along here.
United Nations Headquarters
We view the Secretariet Building down the block as we continue to pass and discuss holdouts and how they've influenced the streetscapes today.
42nd Street
We end our downtown part of the walk at 42nd Street, where a single holdout survived history.
5 minutes
Grand Central Terminal
As we make our way to the west side and the uptown portion of the tour we will pass through Grand Central. While not associated with a any holdouts, a mini-tour of this iconic landmark is very possible.
5 minutes
One Vanderbilt
This city-in-a-building was still under construction at this writing.
Brooks Brothers
This historic New York City institution had a holdout as a neighbor.
5 minutes
One Bryant Park | Bank of America Tower
We view this crystal shard-iceberg mashup of a building from the side
The Roosevelt Hotel
We pass by this sole survivor of Terminal City, from a time before air travel when Grand Central linked to three hotels to receive cross-country travelers. We continue our tour passing fascinating ways holdouts have changed the look of the city.
Diamond District
Worth noting the block where $440 million in diamonds are traded daily. The entrance a block to the north as we cross Fifth Avenue is flanked by 12' diamond sculptures.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center's rich history includes a number of interesting, thought provoking holdouts.
10 minutes
Papillon Bistro & Bar
We end the tour here, one of the most compelling examples of a holdout, and is more appropriately a hold-IN. Here a restaurant proprietor negotiated additional square footage to expand his restaurant into the future skyscraper. You can enter the skyscraper today and stand within the walls of a 19th century brownstone.
5 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
What our experts say
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Start early to avoid crowds. -
Check Amster Yard's opening time.
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Grab a coffee at Grand Central's café.
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Consider visiting nearby Rockefeller Center.
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Wear layers, NYC weather can change.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour is a captivating 2.5-hour experience that takes you on a journey through the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This unique tour unveils the intriguing stories behind the holdouts, a fascinating phenomenon resulting from Manhattan's pressure cooker real estate industry. As you explore the bustling streets, you'll discover the captivating tales of property owners and lease holders who refused to sell to developers, forever altering the city's landscape.What to Expect?
During the Holdouts tour, you can expect to delve into the captivating world of Manhattan's architectural anomalies. As you walk through the vibrant streets of Midtown, a knowledgeable guide will regale you with stories of holdouts who resisted the allure of lucrative offers. You'll witness firsthand the consequences of these stubborn standoffs, as developers were forced to adapt their plans and create unique structures that seamlessly incorporate these holdouts. Prepare to be amazed by the seemingly ill-planned entrances, odd-shaped buildings, and towering notches that serve as lasting reminders of these captivating stories.Who is This For?
Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour is designed for those with a deep appreciation for history, architecture, and the captivating tales that shape a city's identity. Whether you're a local New Yorker looking to uncover hidden gems or a curious traveler seeking an in-depth exploration of Manhattan's architectural wonders, this tour is perfect for you. The tour caters to all age groups and interests, making it an inclusive experience for anyone eager to discover the untold stories behind the city's iconic structures.Why Book This?
By booking the Holdouts tour, you're embarking on a captivating journey that goes beyond the surface of New York City's architecture. This experience offers a unique perspective on the city's transformation, showcasing the human stories behind the transactional anomalies. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the real estate industry's impact on the city's landscape and witness how these holdouts have shaped Midtown Manhattan's character. With the guidance of knowledgeable experts, you'll gain insights into the untold tales that are often overlooked by traditional architectural tours. Prepare to be enthralled by the rich narratives and remarkable structures that stand as testaments to the resilience of property owners and lease holders.Good to Know
When booking the Holdouts tour, keep in mind that it includes a professional guide who will provide in-depth commentary throughout the journey. However, gratuities are not included, so it's customary to tip your guide as a token of appreciation for their expertise and engaging storytelling. The tour's itinerary will take you on a captivating route through Midtown Manhattan, with the endpoint being the renowned Papillon Restaurant. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city as you explore the captivating stories of holdouts that have left an indelible mark on the city's architectural landscape.Reviews
Reviews from individuals who have taken the Holdouts tour speak to the awe-inspiring nature of this experience. Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life, making the tour both informative and entertaining. Visitors have expressed their fascination with the unique structures and hidden narratives behind them, marveling at the unexpected beauty that emerged from these holdout situations. Overall, reviewers have lauded the Holdouts tour as a must-do experience for architectural enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Expect to be captivated by the stories, awed by the structures, and left with a deeper appreciation for the human element that has shaped Midtown Manhattan's architectural identity.
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