On this week’s show we will visit one of New York’s grand and most storied, avenues, Central Park West, from its place as an outlying part of New York that was distant from the main life of the City as the park was designed and constructed, to its development as a grand residential boulevard.
My guest will be Rediscovering New York regular and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding, https://landmarkbranding.com.
Show Notes
Segment 1
Jeff introduces his first and only guest David Griffin of Landmark Branding. David explains his background of growing up in Long Island and eventually getting involved with NYC history. He was inspired by the dioramas his mother would make of places they would visit when he was young. Jeff asks David about the game of tops in 19th century New York and their history. They move on to talking about Central Park West and where its name comes from. Jeff asks David what the first buildings on CPW were. Initially, the park area was very seedy and dirty but became more affluent once wealthy people started investing in the neighborhood. The development was stimulated by luxury apartment buildings like the Dakota being built in the neighborhood.
Segment 2
Jeff asks about the Dakota’s architectural style, which is unique because of its German renaissance look. The Dakota was famed for its many luxuries and celebrity guests over the years. Moving on to the Langham hotel, Jeff and David discuss some of its famous guests and amenities like the ice maker on every floor.
Segment 3
Jeff asks David about the inspiration behind his business, Landmark Branding. David explains the services he provides and also talks about his upcoming book project. David and Jeff then discuss the Prasada, a building with some of the most elegant interiors on Central Park West. They talk about some of the buildings built in the 60s that had a more abstract design. Many artists ended up renting the studio apartments in these buildings. David brings up the Majestic hotel, which used to be a hub for organized crime families. They discuss various films shot in and around Central Park West hotels.
Segment 4
David brings up the Beresford hotel, which has inspired numerous books and movies. They had legal problems that held up its restoration, but luckily they were solved in 2001. Jeff brings up the first Church of Christ Scientists, which is an underrated and beautiful building in the city. French churches very much inspire their architecture. Central Park West also holds the oldest Jewish congregation in America. They end by talking about the Museum of Natural History, which is one of the most well-known museums in the country.