Walking Tour: FiDi’s Skyscrapers, Plazas, and the Impact of Zoning

Meet at the Southwest corner of Broadway and Rector St.

While the Financial District is widely known for its historic architecture, it also boasts a variety of distinctive Modern buildings, many of them linked to urban design initiatives of the 1960s and ‘70s. This tour will focus on the variety of public spaces generated by zoning incentives to make the congested neighborhood more pedestrian-friendly, including “Skid(more) Row,” featuring Chase Manhattan Plaza, 140 Broadway, and One Liberty Plaza. The effect of zoning on the shape of skyscrapers will also be discussed, as will the conversion of many of these skyscrapers for residential use. Highlights include buildings by SOM, Kevin Roche, Philip Johnson, Davis Brody, and Tsao & McKown, among others. Downtown Manhattan’s signature spires of the 1930s will also be viewed en route. 

AIANY Guide: Kyle Johnson, AIA

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Health and Safety Guidelines:

The safety and comfort of our guides and guests is our number one priority. By registering for this tour, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Face masks will be required for any remarks made inside. Once outside, vaccinated individuals may remove masks. In accordance with CDC guidelines, unvaccinated guests must please wear a mask throughout the tour. 
• Maintaining six feet of distance from the guide and anyone not in your party is strongly encouraged.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in your guide requesting that you kindly leave the tour group. Refunds will not be provided for tours canceled due to a failure to comply with safety guidelines. 

AIANY cannot be held liable and assumes no responsibility for any injury or loss incurred by participants in these programs. Tour is limited to 15 attendees. Walkups cannot be guaranteed a spot on the tour.