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Exploring NYC: The New York Public Library and The Helmsley Building

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Home Stager with Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island #888

One of the perks when providing Feng Shui consultations throughout New York City, is I get to visit locations I may not otherwise go to on my own. After completing a Feng Shui consultation I made it a point to check out various locations that included the New York Public Library in Bryant Park (which was helpful because I needed to renew my library card) and the Helmsley Building.

The New York Public Library is located at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. The origins of the library began between 1890 and 1920.  The New York Governor Samuel J. Tilden, the Astor family, and James Lennox were all to thank for their encouragement and financial contribution to establishing the New York Public Library. The library doors officially opened on May 24th, 1911. 

A fun observation: There are two lion statues (both male) that greet New York pedestrians and tourists as they walk by and enter the library, called Patience and Fortitude.

The library is free to enter and walk around. And yes, you can do work and read at the library, however, if you are really trying to concentrate it might be a bit challenging due to the tourists visiting the library fairly often. 

The Helmsley building is located at 230 Park Avenue in New York City. It was built in 1929 by Warren and Wetmore. Over the years this building has had a few different names such as New York Central Buidling during the 1920s, the New York General Buidling in the 1950s, and in the 1970s it was finally known as The Helmsley Buiding. The Helmsley building is named after Harry Helmsley. 

Behind the Helmsley Building is the Grand Central Terminal, so this could offer a fun opportunity to walk through the tunnels that cut through the building.

All photos were taken by Laura Cerrano of Feng Shui Manhattan 

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Laura Cerrano is a second-generation Certified New York City Feng Shui Consultant Expert. As a full-time Feng Shui consultant, Laura provides bicoastal consultations and workshops for residential, commercial, real estate developments, Fortune 500 companies and healing faculties. In addition, Laura is a resident teacher at the Metropolitan Institute of Design in Syosset, NY. She has been featured in highly respected publications and TV networks such as Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," PBS, CBC Television, BBC Radio and The New York Times. 

 

Comments(4)

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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Laura - you're right, one need not travel far to discover (or rediscover) things.  They may exist on one's own turf.   

Apr 07, 2023 02:58 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I've been in the NY Public Library multiple times - that's where I first saw proof that my grandparents were hoodlums. Haha.

Apr 07, 2023 04:58 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Laura... I've spent many an hour in the NY City Library doing research when I was in graduate school. Of course, this was in 1970/71 before we could research on the internet. Such a beautiful building.

Apr 07, 2023 05:33 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Laura Cerrano I have been to New York City a number of times, but the New York Public Library is one stop I have not made yet.  Also these days I don't know I would feel to safe walking around the city.

Apr 07, 2023 02:53 PM