Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour

Overview

This 2.5 hour walking tour around the Midtown Manhattan shows-and-tells the fascinating stories of holdouts—the intriguing side effect of Manhattan's pressure cooker real estate industry: when a property owner (or lease holder) refused to sell to a developer, forced them to rework their plans, and forever changed the city streetscape. Stories, like the elderly lady who never knew any other home; or the poker player-like landlord who overplayed his hand; or the restauranteur whose long term lease (justifiably) demanded budget-busting sums, all add a human dimension to these transactional anomalies. And personal stories that were otherwise lost, are awesomely amplified by the everlasting impression left behind: seemingly ill-planned entrances for skyscrapers, odd shaped buildings, 20-story tall notches in office towers, are just some of the 16 examples of holdouts we'll see. This tour is based on the book, Holdouts! By Alpern and Durst.

What's included

• ✓Professional guide

• ✕Gratuities

What you'll do

1. 1

   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 min
2. 2

   A fascinating ego building

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   An old buggy whip factory, and a holdout.

   ⏱ 5 min
5. 5

   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 min
6. 6

   This notorious site of a mob hit is next door to an interesting holdout.

   ⏱ 5 min
7. 7

   Stunning views of this stunning landmark are had along here.

8. 8

Availability & pricing

Pick your exact date & check live availability on the booking page.

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.