Apollo Theater in New York City

by Nick David

The Apollo Theater is the most sought out attraction in New York. Located in Harlem at 253 West 125th St many locals and tourists visit regularly to enjoy the influence of the history, preservation and creative voices for performing artists. The theater is home to amateur night, special events and regular scheduled shows.

 

The theater is owned by The Apollo Theater Foundation, a nonprofit organization that was first established in 1991. This foundation is solely dedicated to preserving the development and legacy of the theater. This is execute through live performances from world class artists and education programs that influence and honor the advancement of African American artists and emerge the creative voices thru artistic and cultural media.

 

The Apollo Theater isn’t just a historical monument it is a big source for the accomplishment of the American artist with symbolism and pride. It does come with a rich history, but its significant source is today’s music and artist. It is also considered the supporter for African American culture and accomplishment with chronicles of American History.

 

Apollo Theater in New York City

 

History
The Apollo Theater was known as the neo-classical theater back in the day. It was designed by George Keister. The first owner was Sidney Cohen and then in 1914 Harry Seamon and Benjamin Hurtig took over ownership with obtaining the building for more than 25 years. It was then when it was named Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater.

 

1933 was the era when New York City’s Mayor Fiorello La Guardia campaigned against the burlesque with hopes of closing it down for good. La Guardia was successful with closing the theater, but it reopened by Cohen in 1934 as 125th Street Apollo Theater.

 

The theater changed hands many of times during from 1934 until 1983. Frank Schiffman and Leo Brecher took it over in 1935, Percy Sutton in 1981 and then the Apollo Theater Foundation in 1983.

 

Events and Programs
The Apollo is known for its international charities that are towards the development of American music from the 20th century. Since the day the doors were opened the theater has always served as a stepping stone for many performers of all time. Continuation of supporting artists is done through a variety of performance programs such as Apollo Amateur Night, Apollo Music, Apollo Music Café, Legacy, Harlem Jazz Shrines, Salon Series, International Festival and Special Projects.

 

Book the living monument for many special events. The theater is always in use whether there is a great concert underway or it is reserved for a private event such as fashion show, wedding, graduation, trade show, product launch, conference or performance.

 

Visiting the Apollo Theater
You can visit the most visited and loved music theaters in New York. There is a full schedule of events on the website with box office information including dates, times and cost. Planning a trip to the famous theater is simple. Use the calendar to plan your trip to experience Harlem in its true light. There are many accommodations to help with reliving Harlem’s Renaissance.

 

Flatiron Building in New York City

by Nick David

Flatiron BuildingThe Flatiron Building otherwise known as the Fuller Building was completed in 1902 and is one of New York City’s oldest and desired buildings today. It sits on an island block located at 5th Avenue facing Madison Square intersecting Broadway, 22nd and 23rd Street. Flatiron originates from a cast iron.

 

 In 1979 was when it was added to the National Historic Register and named a Historic Landmark in 1989. The neighborhood surrounding the building is called the Flatiron District anchoring Madison Square and the Ladies Mile district.

 

 History of the Flatiron Building
Flatiron was finished in 1902 and was one of the first buildings to use all steel construction. Looking over way from Central Park it was, at its time the tallest building in New York City just north of 14th Street. The site in which the building stands was bought back in the 1850’s by Amos Eno. Deconstruction of the St. Germaine Hotel began replacing it with the Cumberland apartment building. The building is created in a Beaux style by Daniel Burnham, a Chicago native comparing to Chicago’s World Columbian Exposition in celebration with Columbus’ first voyage to America.

 

 It stands 285 feet featuring 22 stories with topping out on its tip of 6.5 feet in width. Limestone terra cotta tile façade and the steel frame models similar to an Italian and French renaissance design with eagles, gargoyles and horizontal treatments displaying on the outside of the building.

 

The Flatiron Building Today
You will recognize the Flatiron Building from television. It is used in documentaries and commercials as well as films such as Godzilla and Spider Man. It is also included in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle series as the location of Channel 6 News headquarters. Being the popular hotspot for photographs due to its history and unique design the Flatiron Building is and will always be one of New York’s symbolizing icons.

 

 In 2009 it was said that an Italian Real Estate firm purchased a majority of the building with plans to turn the 22 stories into a world class luxury hotel. The renovation must wait ten years due to the leases of the business owners and other tenants that are occupying the space. Although turning this cast iron piece of art into a world class hotel would benefit New York natives as well as visitors, the Flatiron Building will always remain one of the more classical landmarks in history. It is a functional office space where visitors are not allowed to browse, except for the lobby.

 

 Visiting The Flatiron Building
Today the building is used mainly for office space and a popular destination for photographs and headquarters to Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck of Germany, St. Martin’s Press, Henry Holt and Company and Picador publishing companies. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the lobby and witness historic photographs of the early day construction of the building. Madison Square is located across from the building and is ideal to visit and appreciate the great view of the Flatiron Building. There are other main attractions close by to visit when mesmerizing this little piece of history. Click here for more details on Flatiron Building