The Forgotten and the Future Upper West Side

Janes Walk

Led By Hannah Wilson

Step into the shadow of the iconic Ansonia building and explore the enduring—and forgotten—wonders of the Upper West Side!

We’ll weave our way from Broadway to Riverside Drive, then down to the Hudson River, exploring the built and natural changes that have shaped this often-overlooked corner of Manhattan. Through archival images and captivating tales, you’ll uncover the Gilded Age mansions of the past, the Upper West Side’s forgotten railroad legacy, and, of course, the evolution of Olmsted’s cliffside masterpiece, Riverside Park. Ever wondered what urban planning, ballet, Edgar Allan Poe, and even air conditioning have in common? Slip on your comfy shoes, grab your camera, and get ready for a fun stroll through history!

This walk is sold out and the waitlist is full.

Accessibility

The route is approximately 2 miles long and includes sections with steps and exposure to busy streets, therefore it may not be suitable for children. Please bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. We’ll start at Verdi Square, which is accessible by subway (1/2/3 72nd St. Station), bus, and CitiBike. The walk ends at Pier i Café, accessible by bus and CitiBike, and is approximately 0.5 miles from the 1/2/3 72nd St. Station, our starting point.

Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Friday, May 2, 2025
3:00 PM
90 minutes

Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Art & Architecture, History & Culture
Language: English
Upper West Side February 2025. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Kidfly182.