Holdouts: A NYC Architecture Walking Tour

Overview

This 2.5 hour walking tour around the Midtown Manhattan shows-and-tells the fascinating stories of holdouts—the intriguing side effect of Manhattan's pressure cooker real estate industry: when a property owner (or lease holder) refused to sell to a developer, forced them to rework their plans, and forever changed the city streetscape. Stories, like the elderly lady who never knew any other home; or the poker player-like landlord who overplayed his hand; or the restauranteur whose long term lease (justifiably) demanded budget-busting sums, all add a human dimension to these transactional anomalies. And personal stories that were otherwise lost, are awesomely amplified by the everlasting impression left behind: seemingly ill-planned entrances for skyscrapers, odd shaped buildings, 20-story tall notches in office towers, are just some of the 16 examples of holdouts we'll see.

This tour is based on the book, Holdouts! By Alpern and Durst.

City: New York City

Thu 24 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $79.00

Make a reservation

Thu 24 Apr

Starting at $79.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes

What To Expect

Citicorp Center

Not a holdout, but a fascinating story is associated with the construction of this building, whose main pillar supports are not in the corners, but in the middle of the side.

Amster Yard

If this oases is open at the time of the tour, we stop in for a moment. A time capsule where histories clash and the city meets the suburbs - - a much earlier one!

Chrysler Building

Stunning views of this stunning landmark are had along here.

United Nations Headquarters

We view the Secretariet Building down the block as we continue to pass and discuss holdouts and how they've influenced the streetscapes today.

42nd Street

We end our downtown part of the walk at 42nd Street, where a single holdout survived history.

Grand Central Terminal

As we make our way to the west side and the uptown portion of the tour we will pass through Grand Central. While not associated with a any holdouts, a mini-tour of this iconic landmark is very possible.

Brooks Brothers

This historic New York City institution had a holdout as a neighbor.

Diamond District

Worth noting the block where $440 million in diamonds are traded daily. The entrance a block to the north as we cross Fifth Avenue is flanked by 12' diamond sculptures.

Show 5 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (29)

ginandre

Oct 2019

We showed up 30mins early and our party of 3 talked at the pic in the ad until we realized it was 10mins after our start time and no guide. We tried to call and went on a wild chase only to have the guide text us that he was at Starbucks and didn't see us from the window. That's fine but Viator(owner) would not refund our money. This company is too big and so unable to deal with individual needs or hire professionals that care. There are small family owned tour companies we should use. Why would you bother?

Response from Host

Oct 2019

I'm sorry you were not at the right location for the start of the tour, Gina. I did look for you, I'm sorry I didn't see you. I offered you three slots for any future tours. That offer still stands. Rob

co4at

Aug 2019

Patrick is an excellent guide, leading you to hidden spots in the midst of Midtown Manhattan and raises your attention to impressive testimonials of Manhattan's manifold transformations. For getting a deeper knowledge of this borrow's (short) history and vivid development, this tour is a MUST. Highly recommended !

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Thank you very much for your review. (My name is Rob though.) Safe travels.

NancTZ

Jul 2019

Rob was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgable and made sure we were well taken care of. We learned the history of Holdouts and stopped at numerous sites. Would recommend this tour for anyone

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Thank you for your gracious review!