Stone Street, Lower Manhattan

Stone Street, a narrow, cobblestone alley first developed by Dutch colonists in the 1600's is said to be the first paved street in the city of New York.  It originally ran from Broadway to Hanover Square, in the Financial section of lower Manhattan, but was divided into two sections by the construction of the Goldmans Sachs building at 85 Broad Street in the 1980's. Surrounded by modern high rise office buildings it is a quaint little street that invokes scenes of old New York.

 

Once close to the thriving East River seaport, it was filled with maritime businesses and warehouses during the 1700's and 1800's. In the 1900's commercial maritime business shifted to the Hudson River and Stone Street slowly went into decline. 
 

Community activism revitalized the area by having the eastern portion of the street and the surrounding buildings protected in 1996 by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and named as the "Stone Street Historic District."

With additional financing secured from New York City, and the Alliance for Downtown New York, Stone Street received a well-earned makeover, including a new street bed that duplicated the street's original cobblestone paving, and new bluestone sidewalks lined with quaint, traditional looking lighting fixtures.

The historic street was reinvented, attracting restaurants, pubs and shops, and has outdoor dining when the weather permits. 

It has became a popular destination for tourists and New York natives alike. 

I meet my husband for lunch at The Dubliner Pub on Stone Street, a little bit of Ireland in New York.  Where is the snow?  All gone!  Luckily we've had lots of sun since Friday and what snow that wasn't shoveled away has melted.

The Dubliners outside menu board. The grilled salmon was delicious!

This is what happens when there is a snowstorm in New York City and the regular garbage pickup is delayed because NYC Sanitation has been bust plowing the streets.  It looks like this is all paper recycle.  I'm glad local businesses are doing their part to save the environment!

I'm linking this post to Susan at A Southern Daydreamer blog's  Wednesday "Outdoor Wednesday" event!  Please visit Susan today to  see her outdoor post,  and also a list of other participating blogs.  Thanks Susan!