New York magazine cover story for May 28, 1984: The Lower East Side: There goes the neighborhood. But remember kids, there was a time that “Lower East Side” meant everything south of 14th, north of Canal and east of Broadway. [via Karina]
Amazing article.
The artist I’m working with who has lived in the East Village since then (right by Tompkin’s Square Park) was telling me about how the area was back then. How certain people wouldn’t even visit him because of the street he lived on. There used to be an open lot right next to his building that he could climb down to and run around/play frisbee, and now there lies the builing on 7th b/w b & c (where Tylerdan actually lives, filled with post grad boys who work in finance and such).
It’s still amazing to note that certain people still view the LES/EV as an area they wouldn’t really find themselves in despite the gentrification… I come across this all the time as people I know who live in midtown or uptown refer to me as the “Lower East Sider” in a tone that suggests it’s sketchy and less refined (then again these are also the people who like clean cut wallstreet boys versus dirty rockstars). I don’t mind because I like to represent. I have much love for my East Vill, Alphaville, Lower East, Nolita Haven :)
I’d much prefer running around in canvas boots, maybe wearing last night’s party, and drum sticks in tow on orchard st. than strolling around the upper east side in a fancy dress & heels… i’m just sayin
