Bridal Building
The Bridal Building is in the Garment District (or, Fashion Center) at 1385 Broadway, by 38th Street. The name "Bridal Building" itself isn't that old, but bridal wear has been in…
Broker Babble
"Broker babble" is "real estate-speak" by real estate brokers. The babble uses terms as a broker sees fit -- even though the words can be misunderstood by others. "Broker…
Bronx Riviera (Orchard Beach)
Orchard Beach in the Bronx was opened by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses in the 1930s; it was so grand that it was called "the Riviera of New York." Other, Bronx-specific nicknames for…
Bronx Toilet (Yankee Stadium)
Yankee Stadium has been called "the Bronx Toilet" by Boston Red Sox fans. A new Yankee Stadium has been planned next to the current one. One post below states that the Bronx Cineplex has…
Brooklyn Hilton (Brooklyn Detention Complex)
The Brooklyn Men's House of Detention, 275 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, has been nicknamed the "Brooklyn Hilton" since at least 1968. The nickname probably borrows from "Hanoi…
Brooklyn’s Carnegie Hall (Young Israel Beth El of Borough Park nickname)
Young Israel Beth El of Borough Park, Brooklyn, was built 1920-1923, in a Semitic style that combined Moorish ornament with Judaic motifs. "This sanctuary provided a fitting backdrop for the…
Brooklyn’s Eiffel Tower (Coney Island Parachute Jump)
The Coney Island Parachute Jump has been called "Brooklyn's Eiffel Tower." It was moved to Steeplechase Park in 1941, after the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. The Parachute…
Brooklyn’s Jewel or Brooklyn’s Backyard (Prospect Park)
Brooklyn's Prospect Park opened in 1868, finished by the same team of Olmsted and Vaux that made New York's Central Park. Parks Commissioner Robert Moses called Prospect Park "the…
Brownstone
"Brownstone" apartments can be found in some of the older sections of New York. They were popular in the early 19th century. The term probably originated in New York. (Oxford English…
Burnham’s Folly (Flatiron Building)
"Burnham's Folly" is frequently said to be an early nickname of Manhattan's Flatiron Building at 175 Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street, completed in 1902. The Flatiron Building was…
Can Do Shipyard (Brooklyn Navy Yard)
The New York Naval Shipyard (commonly called the Brooklyn Navy Yard) dates to 1801 and was especially active during World War II. "Can Do" was a popular WWII slogan and the Brooklyn Navy…
Cannonball Park (John Paul Jones Park nickname)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: John Paul Jones ParkJohn Paul Jones Park is a public park located in Fort Hamilton, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The park borders Shore Road, Fourth Avenue, 101st…
Cantors’ Carnegie Hall (First Roumanian-American Congregation)
The First Roumanian-American Congregation (Shaarey Shamoyim) at 89 Rivington Street has been called the "Cantors' Carnegie Hall" because of its many famous congregants (mostly in…
Cathedral of Asphalt (Asphalt Green)
The former Municipal Asphalt Plant (now a sports facility called Asphalt Green) opened in 1941 at East 90st Street and York Avenue in Manhattan. New York Parks Commissioner Robert Moses (1888-1981)…
Cathedral of Commerce (Woolworth Building)
Before there was a World Trade Center, there was a Cathedral of Commerce. This was the Woolworth Building - the world's tallest when built. It is said that the Reverend S. Parkes Cadman…
Cathedral of the Motion Picture (Roxy Theatre)
The enormous, 5,920-seat Roxy Theatre stood at the corner of 50th Street and Seventh Avenue from 1927 until it was demolished in 1960. Named after original owner Samuel Lionel "Roxy"…
Cathedral of the Skies (Empire State Building)
The Empire State Building (briefly nicknamed the "Empty State Building"--see above) is also called the "Cathedral of the Skies." This is a nod to the old Woolworth Building, the…
Cheesebox (Castle Williams)
Castle Williams, on Governors Island, was designed and erected between 1807 and 1811. It was called a "cheese box" (or "cheesebox") in the 19th century. "It (Castle…
Chippendale Building (SONY building)
The AT&T Building at 550 Madison Avenue was designed by Philip Johnson (who died in 2005 at age 98). The style was quickly dubbed "Chippendale." The building is now occupied by SONY.…
Chocha Beach (Orchard Beach)
Orchard Beach in the Bronx was opened by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses in the 1930s; it was so grand that it was called “the Riviera of New York"/"Bronx Riviera." The beach soon…