It's Sunday morning, April 22, 2007, and we went to breakfast around the corner from our hotel. Now we are off to see more sites. If you didn't get a chance, here is Part 1 of our journey. My Visit to New York City -- "Manhattan as a tourist" -- Part 1 of 5 -- Day 1

Our first stop was Battery Park City, Manhattan. The picture that you see to your left is a picture taken from a point in New Jersey over-looking the Hudson River before Battery Park City was built. The World Trade Center is in the background which was located in Lower Manhattan before September 11, 2001 took place. The picture to the right is after Battery Park was built and still before 911.

The World Trade Center photograph in black and white was taken by photographer Edgar de Evia. The picture opposite of this is from Wikipedia. Image

Battery City Park, which began construction in 1980 and was finished in 1985, is located at the Southwestern tip of Manhattan. What's unique about this area is that the land it stands upon was created by using dirt and rocks excavated from the Hudson River.

The picture to the left by Ostap is the Western view of the World Financial Center. You can clearly see the 7 WFC building rising on the left. The original building was destroyed in the attacks of Sep 11, 2001. The picture on the right is the Ocean 1 West apartment building by Slavito. These pictures and more can be viewed at Battery Park City, NYC: Neighborhood Profile -- NY Bits

Battery Park City consists roughly of five major sections. In the North Residential section, the nation's first "green" residential high-rise was built, called the Solaire. More are planned on being built in this part of Manhattan, in the Battery Park City sections.  

• North Residential Neighborhood -- This area consists of a large hotel, high-rise residential buildings, Stuyvesant High School,  a small mall with restaurants, a few stores, and a movie theater. 

• South Residential Neighborhood or known as the World Financial Center -- This area has a large complex that is host to such companies as American Express, Dow Jones & Company, Merrill Lynch and Deloitte & Touche.

• Gateway Plaza -- A high building complex for low to moderate income housing.

• Rector Place Residential Neighborhood  --  This area spans 4 blocks in which there are 2,200 units which cover 9 acres. Another moderate income housing area.

• Battery Place Residential Neighborhood  -- Consisting mostly of low-rise buildings which have a direct view of the Statue of Liberty.
  

The picture to your right is The Sphere which was built by sculptor Fritz Koenig. The Sphere, which once stood in the middle of Austin Tobin Plaza, the area between the World Trade Center towers, is now currently displayed in Battery Park City. The Sphere was damaged from 911 in which several parts from the airplanes and Towers pierced the Sphere.  

The sphere endures as an icon of hope and the indestructible spirit of this country. The Sphere was placed here on March 11, 2002 as a temporary memorial to all who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.

There is also an eternal flame that was ignited on September 11, 2002 in honor of all those who were lost. Their spirit and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

For anyone needing the services of a realtor in Manhattan or the surrounding areas of NYC, please don't hesitate to contact : Mitchell Hall - New York NY  -- Mitchell's Manhattan Real Estate Blog. Mitchell and I didn't have a chance to catch up because he was actually working with clients that weekend. Mitchell is a Manhattan born native New Yorker and a Realtor in Manhattan. You won't find a better person to help you with any of your real estate needs. 

My Visit to New York City                   -- "Manhattan as a tourist" -- Part 1 of 5 -- Day 1

Battery Park City                                 -- "Manhattan as a tourist" -- Part 2 of 5 -- Day 2

South Street Seaport (Pier 17)          -- "Manhattan as a tourist" -- Part 3 of 5 -- Day 2

Central Park & the Central Park Zoo  -- "Manhattan as a tourist" -- Part 4 of 5 -- Day 2