Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Sunday, July 30, 11:00 a.m.

CANAL STREET EDGE: FROM BUCOLIC TO FRENETIC

In 1811, the Collect Pond and its drainage canal were paved over, and the notorious Five Points grew up along the eastern end of Canal Street. On the western end stood St. John's Chapel, in an elegant park, until the upper classes moved north and Commodore Vanderbilt bough the block for his railroad terminal. Transportation infrastructure further changed the area when the Holland Tunnel was completed in 1927. We'll explore surviving buildings and street patterns from these eras, including the first department store in America and the onetime center of the textile industry in the United States. Leaders: Lynne Funk, architect, and Thor Snilsberg, urbane planner. Meet at 280 Broadway, at Chambers St.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Unions and Environmental Groups Push Council To Pass Delivery Protection Act

Intro 1396 would force Amazon and other delivery companies that use last-mile warehouses to ditch the sub-contracting model and directly hire their workers.

December 5, 2025

Watchdog Group Wants Hochul to Veto Bus Lane Parking Mulligan

Reinvent Albany thinks a carve-out for bus lane parkers in Co-op gives rule-breaking motorists a free pass.

December 5, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Visionary NYC Edition

New York City stands out among U.S. cities with "Vision Zero" programs. Plus more news.

December 5, 2025

DMV SCANDAL: New York Faces Uphill Battle Getting Back Fraudulently Obtained Licenses

A longtime NYC driving teacher dishes on a pair of shocking scandals at the New York State DMV.

December 4, 2025

State DOT Hurts Cyclists in Rt. 9 Draft Plan: Advocates

The plan to redesign the spine of the river towns misses opportunities to equalize road access and safety for all travelers, according to advocates

December 4, 2025
See all posts