Seeking New York: The Stories Behind the Historic Architecture of Manhattan--One Building at a Time

by Tom Miller

Beautifully illustrated with line drawings and photographs, engagingly presented, and richly detailed, this charming guide traces the architectural and social history of Manhattan one building at a time. The island of Manhattan has been through remarkable architectural and social change throughout its history. Organized roughly by neighborhoods, this book explores the seemingly never-ending depths of architectural, personal, and social history of Manhattan, building by building. Follow the family feud that led to the construction of the luxurious Waldorf Astoria, or trace the decay of a once proud home to an increasingly humble storefront, delving into the surprising, sometimes scandalous, often touching stories of the people who lived there along the way. Alongside the details about each architect, dates, and styles, author Tom Miller reveals the joys, tragedies, and scandals of those who lived within. In addition to iconic structures, the book includes many off-the-beaten-path buildings that most guidebooks overlook, as well as notable buildings that no longer stand but remain key to Manhattan’s architectural history. Beautifully researched, engagingly presented, and richly detailed, Seeking New York is truly a must-read for anyone interested in the story of New York and how it got that way.

Genres: Nonfiction, New York, Architecture, History, Travel, Reference, Urbanism

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2015

About the author

Tom Miller moved to New York City in 1979 from Dayton, Ohio, bringing with him a passion for buildings. He currently holds the rank of deputy inspector within the NYPD's Auxiliary Police Force. In 2009 he started a blog, Daytonian in Manhattan, which has now reviewed over a thousand buildings, statues, and other points of interest.

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure I walked or passed by these buildings without giving them a look or knowing their infamous or famous origins. Now, I definitely will pay more attention when time allows me to do so in my fast-paced town.
Right now it's a ghost town due to COVID19, but us New Yorkers will bounce back and welcome you all... not right now. Just stay home!

[William Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Seeking New York” by Tom Miller is a nice, mini-tome containing information on New York City’s famous and not-so-famous historical buildings and sites. Miller explores the hidden history behind these gems and I was surprised to learn many interesting things about New York’s architectural heritage. Some of the sites that caught my attention were the Patrick Duffy statue, The 107th Regiment Memorial, The Medical Arts Building, The Little Gothic House, The Dyckman Farmhouse, the Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt buildings, and many others. If you love New York and architecture, you now know where to look!

[Alex S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every building tells a story. Architectural history of an array of buildings and monuments in New York, infused with stories about the working class, presidents, celebrities, criminals, spanning depression, prohibition, and times of prosperity, tragic lessons learned about fire safety code, and a stop on the Underground Railroad.

[Kathryn Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book with engaging, easy-to-read stories about building in Manhattan. I read this on the plane before a weekend in the city, and ended up keeping it in my bag for reference the whole trip. This was a fun way to learn about and appreciate the history of New York, my 6 year old enjoyed talking about buildings I had read about as well.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An architectural study of buildings, structures, and even some statues in New York City - mainly the borough of Manhattan, but presented as a "walk" through through neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan moving up to the Bronx. Most of the truly famous NYC landmark buildings are not included, with the exception of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Flatiron, and the Pierpont Morgan Library. This is a book that makes one think - " I walk past there all of the time, and never knew about it." Many addresses tell stories through the decades, from mundane everyday businesses that derive from the early days of NY, to residences that were once the home to future presidents (Roosevelts). Each building or structure has a unique style of architecture or design - most have withstood development and renovation. It is what makes each "story" unique and interesting. I have known of many - but never knew the back story of what I was walking or driving by - i.e. Father Duffy statue in Times Square. Readers gain an excellent insight into the growth of the city and the designs that went along with it. Highly recommended - it is not just for those with an interest in buildings and architecture!

[Mike Violano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking New York is filled with buildings, some famous and many others newly discovered by me, from the tip of Manhattan at Water Street to Harlem. Author Miller has wisely selected a few buildings that date back to the 18th century from each neighborhood with background stories of original architects and owners and the changes over the centuries. I learned much about buildings I've been in from St. Patrick's Cathedral to the Pierpont Morgan Library and Mansion to the iconic Flatiron Building.
There are many gems in this collection: the exterior of Gideon Tucker House built in 1809 in what is now Chinatown remains largely the same on the outside although inside it has been a residence, brothel, hotel, restaurant and a Chinese bank; the old Houghton Mifflin office and bookstore on East 17th street is one of a few publishing establishments; both Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt homes are detailed as are the histories of the Algonquin and St. Regis Hotels.
If you're an architecture fan this is a worthwhile book to savor.

[Amy Klucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and spent too much time on Google maps street view in the process! I found the history of each property fascinating and well researched. I can see myself planning a walking tour of the city with this book in hand on my next visit to NYC. If you nerd out on history and architecture as I do, you will love this book!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing ! A historical tour of Manhattan through the many amazing architectural buildings . 3-4 pages for each building describing its design , it’s location , it’s money worth, it’s history and most importantly the many people who lived there with their families .

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seduced by the cover. I overlooked the key description of book, the focus is on lesser- known buildings in New York. That said, there were some seedy stories, some buildings connected to more regular sort of people, and the some of the usual narratives about some elitist who built a mansion.

[Nancy Dobson Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that's great to have for research. I'll probably go back and read many of the anecdotes again.

[Joni Greenwell Bycroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planning my personal architecture tour of New York when we go for Christmas.

[George Lama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written. A joy to read.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating details on New York City's most interesting buildings.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, they don't make 'em like they used to anymore.
These buildings are amazing and what really surprised me the most was how quickly the majority of them were built- usually in just a year (and the Flatiron building in nine months)! I can't see that happening now.

I really enjoyed this book. The only thing missing that I thought would have been helpful would be to have a little map for each section to give a better sense of where these buildings are, but otherwise, a very interesting read!

[Jesse Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good idea, good choice of buildings, boring stories and small photos. I would have preferred shorter stories that only focused on the interesting parts, not a comprehensive list of each building's owners.