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Have you ever wondered how NYC city slickers fulfill the need for outdoor fun and escape the concrete jungle of Manhattan? Well, ask anyone and they’ll likely tell you about a little place called Alley Pond. Located just outside of the City in Douglaston, New York, the Alley Pond Environmental Center is dedicated to providing urban dwellers with an awareness and understanding of natural issues. Designated as a National Environmental Study Area back in 1979, Alley Pond now functions as a valuable educational resource for more than 20,000 students each year. With more than 635 acres of marshes, woodlands and meadows, Alley Pond is an unusual tourist attraction for city residents and customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals. Millions of people have taken advantage of this natural playground since its opening day in 1972, so why hold back? Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor excitement during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation with a visit to the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Northeast Queens.

Escape the Rat Race and reconnect with Nature

An effort to save what remained of New York City’s natural heritage was begun back in the 1960’s. The Alley Pond Environmental Center was the result of this effort, protecting more than 635 acres of local vegetation and wildlife. A major natural resource for centuries, Alley Pond now functions as a living-learning laboratory for thousands of school children and visiting tourists. Operated in cooperation with the New York City Departments of Parks and Recreation, the Alley Pond Environmental Center proudly infuses NYC’s urban landscape with natural resiliency and life. Escaping the hectic atmosphere of the city is as easy as a visit to Alley Pond, so why not stop by during your upcoming trip? There’s always something fun happening at the Pond, so grab a friend and check it on your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation.

Biodiversity at its best: Alley Pond Programs

Nature enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to visit the Alley Pond Environmental Center for a wide variety of seasonal activities. From bird watching to trail hiking, you’re sure to find something fun happening along the Pond. Programs at the center include age-appropriate monthly courses for children 18 months to 10 years old, as well as a handful of special events and presentations. Children can even opt to host their birthday part inside the park, celebrating their special day in a completely natural setting. Other exciting programs include tree planting ceremonies on Arbor Day, summer Family Fun Days and spooky Halloween happenings. The center also features a fun petting zoo, providing customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals with an interactive experience for even the youngest of travelers. For more information on upcoming events and available programs please stop in at the newly renovated education center at the parks north end. Ongoing exhibits can be found within this facility along with daily programs and special offerings.

Leave the City and find Natural Bliss

If the city’s got you down, don’t worry – these simple directions will help you find natural balance in no time. The Alley Pond Environmental Center is located just east of the Cross Island Parkway. Take the Midtown tunnel to the Long Island Expressway. Follow the L.I.E. in your AAMCAR New York Car Rentals rent-a-car until you get to the Clearview Expressway exit. Take the Clearview northbound to the Northern Boulevard East exit. Make a right onto Northern Boulevard and go straight for about 3 miles. The Alley Pond Environmental Center will appear just past the Cross Island Expressway on your right.

If you need to reconnect with nature now is the time to contact the Alley Pond Environmental Center. For more details about upcoming events please visit the official Pond website at www.alleypond.com. Customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals can also contact the park by phone at 1-718-229-4000. Alley Pond is open year round, but closed on most major holidays. Admission to the center is free.

On the edges of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park you’ll find a fairytale world of Victorian opulence and extravagance, complete with a Renaissance-style palace. This stunning display of cosmopolitan wealth may seem out of place in the Prospect Park of today, but AAMCAR New York Car Rentals encourages you to try and image the park as it was more than 100 years ago. The late 1800’s were a time of glamour and excess in the prosperous city of Brooklyn, providing residents an opportunity to manifest their aristocratic status in works of art, as well as architecture. When viewed in this manner Grand Prospect Park doesn’t seem all that out of place. Located for more than a century on Brooklyn’s historic Park Slope, Grand Prospect Hall now functions as one of New York City’s grandest events facility. Designed for extraordinary parties, Grand Prospect Hall features an immaculate dcor reminiscent of France’s famous Palace of Versailles. Customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals are invited to add a little pomp and circumstance to their upcoming vacation by spending some time inside this splendid facility. Whether you’re planning a party or simply visiting the area, Grand Prospect Hall is sure to set your imagination flying.

Some Fairytales really do come true: The evolution of Grand Prospect Hall

When local entrepreneur John Kolle built Grand Prospect Hall he did it in order to create a “temple of music and entertainment”. Supported by local politicians, businessmen and masons, the building was designed to function as Brooklyn’s social, cultural and political mecca. Money was never a question during the hall’s creation. Kolle’s inspiration was none other than the lavish French court of Versailles; he wished to recreate this palatial French palace in its entirety- including all 140,000 square feet and four magnificent stories. Kolle hired talented architect Ulrich J. Huberty and the rest is history. Huberty’s vision resulted in ornate marble and granite lobbies; rich oak and mahogany paneling; stained glass artistry; and dazzling crystal chandeliers. Grand Hall also boasted a number of firsts, including the first “French birdcage” elevator, the highest rooftop garden and the first electrified commercial building in all of Brooklyn. Since opening at the turn of the 19th century, Grand Prospect Hall has functioned as a place for the prominent to parade, celebrate and party, so what’s holding you back? Customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals can still ride in the Otis French birdcage elevator today, so remember to stop by and see it for yourself during your upcoming NYC vacation.

Pomp and Circumstance: Events at Grand Prospect Hall

If you’re planning an exciting party during your upcoming visit to NYC, there’s only one hall grand enough to reserve. Grand Prospect Hall currently functions as New York’s finest event destination, providing customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals with access to some of the city’s finest amenities. From weddings and dinner parties to business meetings and charity galas, Grand Prospect Hall has everything you need to make your upcoming celebration sensational. From the stunning ballroom to the beautiful garden grounds, Grand Prospect Hall provides customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals with a flexible event facility perfect for most any occasion. Over the years, Grand Prospect Hall has hosted everything from Hollywood parties to meetings between international leaders, proving its status as an international event establishment. No other facility in New York City provides customers with the same regality as Grand Prospect Hall, so why bother planning your party anywhere? Contact a party planner at Grand Prospect Hall today and prepare for the event of a lifetime.

Does your upcoming event require a little grandeur? Then now’s definitely the right time to contact Grand Prospect Hall. To learn more about available amenities at Grand Prospect Hall please feel free to contact a hall representative directly at 1-718-788-0777. Customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals can also visit the official Grand Prospect Hall website at www.grandprospecthall.com. Grand Prospect Hall is located at 263 Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn, NYC.

Yankee Stadium is home to the New York Yankees, one of New Yorks Major League Baseball teams. Located in the Bronx, it is only a short trip from Manhattan with a New York car rental. Yankee Stadium first opened in April 1923, and underwent major renovations in 1976.

So Many Great Players…

Yankee Stadium has been home to many of baseballs greatest players. Many of them have been honored with monuments or plaques in Monument Park, located behind the left-center field.
Lou Gehrig first baseman for the Yankees from 1923-1939 and the first player to have his number retired.
Babe Ruth probably one of the best-known baseball players of all time and a national icon. He was a right fielder for the Yankees from 1920-1934. Here he broke the record for most home runs with 54 in a season.
Joe DiMaggio center field from 1936-1951.
Mickey Mantle center field from 1951-1968.
The Yankees are known for their great team and their legendary players. Come down to Yankee Stadium with your New York car rental to see the monuments for some of the greatest players.

Stadium Rules

Since September 11, 2001, Yankee Stadium has introduced new rules for security reasons. You should be aware of these before leaving your New York car rental in the parking lot. The stadium will not allow video cameras, backpacks, briefcases, large bags, coolers, or beverage containers. Anyone entering with a purse or diaper bag will have to undergo inspection before being allowed in the stadium. Be sure to leave any items that may be suspicious in your New York car rental.

The Yankees

The Yankees are one of Major League Baseballs dominant teams. No team has won more World Series or had as many of the greatest players as the Yankees have over the years. A game should be in your plans when in town for baseball season with a New York car rental. The Yankees were one of the eight original franchises in Major League Baseball and well known for professional athletics. The Boston Red Sox are one of the Yankees biggest rivals, and this is considered to be one of the biggest rivalries in professional sports. You can feel the tension when the two teams play each other. This rivalry dates back to 1918 when the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Prior to this, the Red Sox had won five World Series, with the Yankees not making it. The tide quickly turned, and until 2004, the Red Sox werent able to win a World Series, often beat out by the Yankees. In recent years the Yankees have not won a World Series, but they still remain one of baseballs greatest teams. Come on down to Yankee Stadium to see a game with your New York car rental.

If music makes your world go round, AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals has the perfect vacation shopping destination for you and all you friends. From the latest releases to hard-to-find titles, youll find all the biggest hits right here in Times Square. So what is this musical mansion? Its the Times Square Virgin Megastore of course! Located directly across the street from the MTV studios, the Virgin Megastore is New York Citys is one of the hippest places in town to hang out. Music lovers of all ages are invited to roam endless racks of records, ranging in everything from popular music to timeless classics. No other store in the city carries an inventory like the Megastore, so why waste your time shopping anywhere else? From music and movies to books and games, the Virgin Megastore has everything you need to infuse your upcoming Manhattan car rentals vacation with hours of fun, so dont succumb to boredom. Plan to make a special trip to the Virgin Megastore during your upcoming trip.

Find what youre looking for

Finding your favorite albums, past and present, is easy at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. This monstrous musical complex features three floors stocked full of merchandise, providing patrons with an unbeatable selection of new releases and greatest hits. But the Virgin Megastore isnt just about the music. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can also stop in and pick up movies, video games, magazines and books. Tons of entertainment is sold inside this exciting establishment, so remember to stop and look at all three floors. Exciting areas inside the store include an extensive singles selection, two levels of domestic and imported CDs and a huge video department. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can also enjoy a sneak peak at some of the hottest new musicals acts with a visit to one of the stores listening booths. A phenomenal number of these kiosks are located throughout the store, providing visitors with a quick listen to chart topping tracks. If thats not enough, the Virgin Megastore also features a quaint caf, a bookstore and a multiplex movie theater. Out of state AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals customers can even arrange airfare on Virgin Atlantic flights thanks to an onsite travel agency. Shopping has never been easier, so why spend hours at some lesser record store? Stop in at the Virgin Megastore today and youll be listening to your favorite album in no time.

The Stars all shine in Times Square

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square is always busy providing visitors with the ultimate music experience. From in-store events and celebrity promotions to performances and product launches, all of the greatest musical acts prefer to party at the Virgin Megastore. The calendar at this store is jammed-pack with celebrity book and CD signings so dont miss your chance to check it out during your upcoming Manhattan car rentals vacation. Celebrities also enjoy shopping at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square, purchasing exciting musical compellations alongside everyday customers. Celebrities cant help but shop at this exciting establishment thanks to the knowledgeable and friendly atmosphere, so whats your excuse? You never know who youll run into when youre browsing the stacks at the Virgin Megastore in Manhattan, so be sure to scan for famous faces. AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals also recommends contacting the store to learn more about upcoming scheduled celebrity appearances.

If your headphones are in need of something new during your upcoming New York vacation, AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals recommends visiting the Times Square Virgin Megastore. This iconic maze of music is located at 1540 Broadway and is open Sunday through Thursday 9am to 1am and Friday through Saturday from 9am to 2am. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can contact the store at 1-212-921-1020. A second Virgin Megastore is also located near Union Station at 52 East 14th Street.

What would the world be without New York’s Wall Street, the financial capital of the planet? This street is unlike any other street you’ll drive down in your New York car rental as it is home to the New York Stock Exchange, where millions of dollars can be made or lost in a matter of seconds. But Wall Street hasn’t always been the be-all and end-all of the financial district. In fact it was once a wall! Built in 1644 by the Dutch on the lower end of Manhattan “Island” was a wall used to protect the settlers from British attack. Years later this wall was torn down and the notorious Wall Street was born.

The first organized American stock exchange took place in 1792 under a buttonwood tree in Castle Garden (now Battery Park). Twenty-four men participated in the exchange, signing an agreement of rules, regulations and fees. From that day forward a building at 22 Wall Street was used to auction of securities to the highest bidder every weekday at noon. This original organization was called The Stock Exchange Office and was a very exclusive club of New York’s elite financial community. In 1817 the name was changed to the New York Stock and Exchange Board, which was once again changed in 1863 to its current title of New York Stock Exchange. The NYSE has had its share of ups and downs during its long history, the most notable low occurring on October 29th 1929 when the Stock Market Crashed, causing millions of dollars to be lost and many investors to be ruined financially.

Today the New York Stock Exchange is the world’s leading and most technologically advanced equities market. Buyers and sellers meet daily in an open and orderly market to access the complicated rhythm of supply and demand. On any given day an average of 1.46 billion shares valued at a mind boggling $46.1 million dollars will be traded of the NYSE! The NYSE is home to over 2,800 world-class companies that have a total global market value of over $20 trillion! Approximately 470 non-US companies invest in the NYSE from 50 different countries making Wall Street the home of the world’s largest market. Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange range from private investors to well known “blue chip” organizations which include many of the world’s leading technology companies. All of these companies must meet stringent requirements before being allowed to partake in market business.

If you’re interested in learning more about the New York Stock Exchange, why not take a drive to Wall Street in your New York car rental and take part in a guided tour? The NYSE is one of New York City’s top 10 tourist destination and attracts over 700 000 visitors world wide each year! The New York City Stock Exchange tours are fun and educational, combining interactive displays with helpful information sessions. For more information regarding the guided tours please visit the New York Stock Exchange’s website at www.nyse.com or call 212-656-5165. Admission is FREE but tickets are first come first serve so be sure to drive over in your New York car rental early! Groups of ten or more require reservations. Special Private Trading Floor tours can be arranged for special occasions, but please not that all men must wear a jacket on the trading floor at all times!

If you would like to by some New York Stock Exchange souvenirs be sure to visit Wall Street in your New York car rental. There is a NYSE Marketplace Gift Shop which sells t-shirts, mugs and all sorts of other gift paraphernalia.

During your Manhattan car rental travels throughout New York City you may run across a narrow thoroughfare running east from Broadway to the East River. Although it may look tiny and uninviting from the window of your Manhattan car rental, Wall Street really is an attraction like no other in the world! Considered to be the heart and soul of the Financial District, Wall Street was the first permanent home of the New York Stock Exchange and a variety of other financial leaders. Interestingly enough most of the major New York firms are no longer located along Wall Street, opting to move elsewhere in the Lower Manhattan and Midtown neighborhoods.

Wall Street History

Back in the 17th century, when the Dutch occupied parts of New York State, a crude wall was built along what is now called Wall Street, forming a northern boundary between New Amsterdam and her hostile neighbors. In 1699 this wall was demolished by the British, but its history would never be forgotten. In the late 18th century 24 of New Yorks leading merchants secretly met beneath an old buttonwood tree, located at the foot of Wall Street, to discuss a revolutionary financial plan which included the trading of securities in a safe financial atmosphere. These 24 men agreed to sign the Buttonwood Agreement, ensuring their commitment to the plan and essentially creating the very first Stock Exchange on Wall Street!

Wall Street Beginnings

The New York Stock and Exchange Board wasnt formally organized until March 8, 1817. Located at 40 Wall Street, the fist New York Stock Exchange was narrated by Board president, Anthony Stockholm, as he read out the stocks to be traded that day. Membership to the Stock Exchange was exclusive and membership definitely wasnt cheap by 1848 it cost a staggering $400 just to gain access to the trading floor! It wasnt long before the New York Stock and Exchange Board took off, resulting in a wave of good fortune. In 1901 J.P. Morgan stunned the world when he created the first billion dollar merger of companies, creating the U.S. Steel Corporation. But with success comes failure and in 1907 panic struck Wall Street as investors began to unload securities at a staggering rate. Within a few months over eight hundred billion dollars had been removed from the Stock and Exchange Board, causing stock prices to plummet. Luckily the Board was able to rebound from this devastating loss as major New York bankers began to reestablish their place on the market.

Black Thursday and the Crash of the New York Stock Exchange

On October 24th, 1929 the unthinkable happened at the New York Stock Exchange. For years the stock market had been experiencing a prosperous boom, leading many Americans to believe in stock market investment and bond securities. Almost every working citizen in American had money tied up in the markets, causing share prices to rise to artificially high levels. An economic bubble was created as banks lent out heavy loans to fund the publics share-buying spree. When the bubble finally burst some fifty-three million shares were sold within three days, running millions of investors, families and businesses instantly. This financial devastation was a major contributor to in the Great Depression as millions of people lost their savings, jobs and families.

Attractions Located on Wall Street

If youre planning to visit Wall Street in your Manhattan car rental, be sure to visit more than just the NYSE! The Wall Street area is home to a wide variety of great New York City businesses and attractions, so dont even think about parking that Manhattan car rental just yet! The following buildings are a must-see in the Wall Street area, so keep your eyes peeled for them when driving your Manhattan car rental!

• American International Building 70 Pine Street
• Hanover Bank building Nassau Street between Wall Street and Pine Street
• Gillender Building Wall Street at Nassau Street
• Chase National Bank Building 18 Pine Street at Nassau Street

Imagine you’re lying on a park bench; the sun is beating down on your skin. You can hear the gentle cooing of doves in the neighboring trees. A handful of area residents are huddled over a chessboard engaged in an afternoon game of technique and skill. The smell of fresh flower mingles with aromas from nearby restaurants. Where is this beautiful slice of tranquility you ask? Would you believe in the middle of Manhattan?! Washington Square Park is one of Manhattan’s most treasured public areas offering car rental NYX travelers a beautiful respite at the center of the city. From the lush landscape to the friendly fountain, Washington Square Park hosts a wide variety of vibrant attractions and unique amenities. A public park since the early 19th century, Washington Square is now one of the most popular public areas in all of Manhattan so what are you waiting for! Grab a friend and explore this urban oasis today!

Hangman’s Elm: A Quick History of the Park

Washington Square was used for a variety of purposes before becoming one of New York City’s most popular parks. Originally acquired by the City Common Council in 1797 as a burial ground, the park was also used as a place for public executions. Local legend pays homage to this historical fact, designating the large tree in the parks northwest corner “Hangman’s Elm”. The site was also used as the Washington Military Parade ground up until the area was designated a park in 1827. Since then the park has undergone a variety of revitalization efforts as well as beautification programs. Must-see attractions within the park include:

• The Washington Arch – Modeled after the Arc de Triumph in Paris, this beautiful architectural monument is located near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Washington Square Park North. Originally built of wood and plaster in 1889, the arch celebrated the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration. The current marble arch replaced the wooden one in 1892.
• The Statues of George Washington – Car rental NYC travelers can now clearly distinguish these two art works thanks to a $3 million dollar 2002 renovation program. The statues portray Washington as President and as Commander-in-Chief.
• The Chessboards – A trip to Washington Square Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to these permanent gaming receptacles. Board game enthusiasts are encouraged to challenge one of the locals to a do-or-die game, but be careful! The Washington Square Park players take their craft very seriously!
• The Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs – Animal lovers of all ages are bound to enjoy this active area located at the heart of park. A larger dog run is also located elsewhere in the park.

Other attractions in the park include a World War I flagpole, a bust of steel manufacturer Alexander Lyman and a statue of Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi.

From Students to Street Performers, Everyone loves Washington Square Park!

Hundreds of car rental NYC travelers and local residents visit this park each day, making it NYC’s most popular urban green space. Located on the outer edge of New York University, the Park proudly hosts an eclectic mix of students, corporate suits and outdoor entertainers. Everyday is a new adventure inside Washington Square Park, so what are you waiting for! Stop by and recline by the fountain or enjoy an impromptu game of soccer with some friends. Washington Square Park has a little something for everyone!

If you would like to learn more about Washington Square Park simply log onto the official New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website at www.nycgovparks.org. Washington Square Park currently features over 9.75 acres of open recreation area. Park hours run from dawn until 1am daily. Admission is always free. Car rental NYC customer can find entrance to the park at Fifth Avenue and Waverly Place and on West 4th Street at MacDougal Street.

Wicked is a popular Broadway musical that you can currently see with your rental in New York. It is the untold story of the witches of Oz. This musical is a Tony Award Winner and Grammy Award Winner for Best Musical Show Album. This is a great play to see with your rental in New York.

Follow the yellow brick road

The story is based on the book more than the movie and is intended to be a prelude. It is set before Dorothy came to Oz from Kansas. Wicked explores the idea that the Wicked Witch of the West was a victim and misunderstood because of a wizard’s corrupt government. The green-skinned teenager, Elphaba Thropp, meets the beautiful Galinda Upland, who changes her name to Glinda the God later in the play, and the two become roommates. The show follows their friendship struggles to overcome personality difference, viewpoints, love interests, and Elphaba’s fall from grace. This is a very interesting take on a classic story and you can see it when you are in town with your rental in New York.

The show begins where the movie begins in Oz: Glinda tells the citizens of Oz that the Wicked Witch is dead. But then the Good Witch tells the story of the Wicked Witch, from her childhood rejection to her awkward college days. There was a lot of tension between the two witches throughout college, especially when Elphaba gets accepted in a class that Galinda really wants to take. Over time, Elphaba becomes known as the Wicked Witch.

Near the end of the play, you begin to see where the movie and book pick up. The Wizard is asked to leave the area. One of the characters is turned into the Scarcrow. The elements of the book are woven through this play that make it very interesting to see what happened before the book you loved as a child.

In the end, Elphaba needs to leave Oz forever and Glinda declares that she has helped the citizens through difficult times.

Wicked is a great play to see with your car rental in New York because it picks up on the book and movie almost everyone grew up with. You can see this with kids or adults – it is fun for the whole family.

Seeing a play on Broadway

Seeing a play on Broadway is a great experience with your car rental in New York. There are literally hundreds to choose from and they are all a lot of fun. Some might appeal to you more than others, or you might just want to see the ones that are the most talked about. Either way, there is a very easy way to get cheap tickets while you are here with your car rental in New York. For discount tickets, you can go to Duffy Square, near Times Square with your car rental in New York. Here, there is a ticket sales office called TKTS, which sells tickets at half price for same-day shows. This is a great way to take in more than one of these amazing shows that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to see.

Of all the iconic buildings located in Manhattan, the Woolworth Building is the oldest – and by far one of the most famous – New York City skyscrapers. Close to 100 years after its construction, the Woolworth Building continues to attract attention in its trendy lower Manhattan neighborhood. The Woolworth Building continues to outshine many of its modern counterparts with its stylish strength and eye-catching architecture. Labeled the “Cathedral of Commerce” during its unveiling ceremony, the Woolworth Building showcases a distinct neo-Gothic style of architecture, including a steeple like central spire. Named the world’s tallest building in 1913, the Woolworth Building is still recognized as one of the nation’s fifty tallest skyscrapers thanks to a 792 foot tower. Car rental NYC customer can get a closer look at this American architectural icon by simply driving down Broadway.

Reach for the Sky

The Woolworth Building is easily one of the world’s most recognizable buildings. Designed by famed architect Call Gilbert, the Woolworth Building was originally slated to measure just 625 feet. The anti was later upped in order to break the tallest building record. Opened on April 24, 1913 the Woolworth Building quickly attracted the attention of local, national and international visitors. An observatory was quickly opened on the buildings 58th floor in order to provide visitors with an exclusive view of the city’s rising skyline. While visiting the building during your upcoming car rental NYC vacation try to imagine what it would have looked like to an early 10th century audience. It truly must have been an inspiring sight! Designed with the splendor and resilience of a European Gothic cathedral, the Woolworth Building is expected to remain an astonishing work of architectural genius well into the 21st century.

Details and Dollar Signs – Interesting Facts about the Woolworth Building

• Frank Woolworth commissioned Cass Gilbert to build the Woolworth Building as his company’s new official headquarters. Construction on the building cost over $13.5 million. Woolworth paid the entire sum in cash!
• The Woolworth Building was owned and operated by the Woolworth Company until 1998. Venator Group (formerly the F.W. Woolworth Company) sold the building to Witkoff Group for a cool $155 million.
• The Woolworth Building leased space inside the building for nearly 100 separate tenants. Famous residents included the Irving Trust Bank. Columbia Records also unveiled their new NYC recording studio inside the building.
• The Gothic detailing located at the top of the Woolworth Building is massively scaled in order to be visible from the ground.
• Frank Woolworth’s private lobby has been preserved inside the building. It’s ornate designed included a rich French Empire feel and plenty of marble!

Combining Engineering and Architectural Genius

The Woolworth Building is truly a marvel of aesthetics and functionality. State-of-the-art installments on the building included a new elevator safety system, high-speed elevators and bedrock based caissons. Intended as a testament to both the Woolworth Company and American innovation, the building quickly became an international sensation. The unveiling of the building even attracted the attention of then President, Woodrow Wilson. President Wilson pressed a button inside the White House on April 24th, 1913, illuminating both the interior and the exterior of the building instantly. Car rental NYC customers will also note an amazing collection of artistic and architectural features inside the building. These include numerous gargoyles, a handful of murals and beautiful moldings. Humorous portraits of the buildings engineer, Gunvald Aus, rental agent Edward J, Hogan, and the president of Irving Bank, Lewis Pierson, can also be found inside the building’s main lobby.

The best way to learn more about the Woolworth Building is to drop by. The building’s main entrance can be found on Broadway between Park Avenue and Barclay Street. Car rental NYC customers are allowed to explore the buildings main lobby. Private tour companies also offer tours of the building offering car rental NYC travelers a behind the scenes look at one of the nation’s most influential high-rises.

The New York City skyline was forever changed on September 11th 2001, when the World Trade Centers were destroyed in an unforgivable act of global terrorism. Since that day New Yorkers have sworn to never forget the brave men and women who died during the senseless attacks, dedicating multiple memorials to the men, women and children who died as a direct result of the attack, as well as those who were lost during rescue missions. Plans for a monumental memorial are currently underway at Ground Zero, as designers from across the city and around the world ban together to create one of the worlds most inspirational architectural wonders. Designed as both a memorial and a symbol of strength, the New York City Freedom Tower and new World Trade Center Complex is slated for completion in 2009, so be sure to keep an eye out for further developments during your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rental New York City vacation. The building is projected to be ready for business occupancy as early as 2010.

The Freedom Tower and new World Trade Center Complex features a complex arrangement of park space and corporate office residency. Construction on the footings and foundations for this building are slated to begin early next year, while it is projected that steel for the building will be visible above grade by mid 2007. Originally designed with a myriad of complex features, the Freedom Tower design plans have undergone a wide range of revisions and repairs since the winning submission was selected in 2002. Initially designed with a centered spire, like those found on the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, the Freedom Tower is now set to boast an off-centered spire, echoing that of the Statue of Liberty. The Freedom Tower will also feature a stunning observation deck at 1362 feet, providing AAMCAR Car Rental New York City travelers with breathtaking views of the surrounding skyline and neighboring New York Harbor. Upon its completion, The Freedom Tower will stand 1776 feet tall (symbolizing the year when the United States issued its Declaration of Independence), including 82 floors of commercial space, a restaurant, and large public lobby.

Other Memorials

Aside from the proposed Freedom Tower memorial, there are also two other monuments set to be built at Ground Zero including a Memorial Museum and two fountains entitled Reflected Absence. Built within the footprints of the previous Twin Towers, the Reflected Absence pools will each feature a beautiful waterfall design surrounded by a forest of oak trees. A wide staircase will descend beneath the pools showcasing a gallery with the names of those who were lost during the attack. Designed by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, the Reflecting Absence memorial was chosen from over 5000 entrants including hundreds of local designs, as well as international submissions. A Memorial Museum will also be erected adjacent to the two gigantic voids, covering over 100,000 square feet of underground space. This museum will feature a selection of powerful artifacts designed to recount the events of September 11th, along with a special memorial for those lost during the attacks. Future AAMCAR Car Rental New York City customers will be able to touch bedrock, as well as see the slurry wall that so vividly conveys the enormity of loss suffered by both New Yorkers and Americans in general.

If youre interested in making a donation to the World Trade Center Memorial Fund, or if you are interested in learning more about the memorial project, please feel free to visit the official memorial page at www.buildthememorial.org. This informative page features photographs, design plans, and survivor stories, so be sure to check it out before reserving your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City rent-a-car. Temporary monuments are also located throughout NYC including specific locations in Battery Park, so please feel free to stop by and visit one during your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rental New York City vacation.