The first building explored was very near a street corner adjacent to Pershing Square. We walked in as if we know exactly where we were going and pressed the UP button on the elevator. Almost immediately the Security Guard questioned our intentions. Dave hauling a camera mounted tripod over his shoulder isn’t exactly the most inconspicuous looking person so he matter-of-factly said that he wanted to photograph the building. To our surprise the guard informed us that the 9th floor would be a good choice. Slightly speechless we thanked him and were off to the 9th floor as he suggested. Once inside the building we decided that roof access was not out of the question since technically he didn’t say we couldn’t go there, so up we went. Prior to the roof we found the 12th floor completely gutted and ripe for more picture taking. Upon finding the roof access door we were greeted with one of those red handles that states an alarm will sound if opened. We then inspected the door for a good 2 minutes to see if it really was alarmed and pondered the options. My solution…get the elevator prepped and ready for our escape should the door actually be wired. Thankfully it wasn’t. After that foray we visited the basement and then left the building making sure to say goodbye and thank you to the nice security guard who was busy reading a magazine while a TV monitor with the security cameras’ feed sat in the background.
Since that building was a relatively easy adventure I decided we should try another just down the street that I had gained access to a few months ago. Upon entering the lobby area we were greeted with the construction supervisor whereby we told him that we wanted to take some pictures. He was hesitant at first, then said yes, then said he needed to call his direct supervisor....finally we were granted access with an escort. Sweet! This particular building was a former bank so we got to inspect a few old vaults in the basement before going up to the 3rd and 4th floor which oddly enough entirely consisted of small-ish wood paneled offices. We speculated that perhaps the floor used to be lawyer’s offices. As we were leaving the 4th floor we saw a United States Senate seal on a glass doorway however it looked a bit fake so most likely it was leftover from a film shoot many years ago. I was left wondering how the developers will incorporate the existing layout of those floors into residences while keeping the interiors intact.
Next up was another building being converted that Dave knew of which was also just a few blocks away. Since we had so much luck at the 1st two buildings we thought it best to keep riding the wave. We entered the 3rd building and without seeing anyone scurried up the first available staircase to the 2nd or 3rd floor. We tried to sneak around for a bit but then Dave decided we should just come clean and attempt to get permission to be there. We walked down the hallway and saw 2 workers. We greeted them, they nodded and kept walking, so did we. Dave then randomly says, “the elevators are working in this building, let’s go to the roof.” So the roof it was for more breathtaking Downtown views and an elevator equipment room for Dave to photograph. On the ride back down to the lobby the elevator cab stopped on floors 6 & 5 to pick up workers who looked rather perplexed upon seeing us standing there. But still, no questions from the peanut gallery.
Racking our brains for yet another conversion to explore we finally decided to call it a day. At that point it had been a 4 hour journey and we were pooped. Now here comes the sad part....because I knew Dave would have a camera and because I had no idea the day would bring what it did, I left my camera at home and have absolutely no photographic evidence of our adventure! Thankfuly Dave has graciously allowed me to link up his photos (giving credit where due) and you can see more of his great photography in this set. Go have a look to see what we experienced, I for one will be riding this urban adventure high for a while.
x
* all photos used under the creative commons deed
That is so frickin' cool I can't stand it! So happy you got to go on this adventure and thank God for Dave's camera. Amazing photos.
Posted by: Richard Andreoli | June 05, 2007 at 09:33 PM
I'll never get over the lobby of that second building. OMG. You have to let us know which building that is!! Amazing. Thank you so much for doing this!
Posted by: Rico A | June 07, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Please let us know what these buildings are especially the second one. It is not fair to post these magnificant pictures and not telling us who they are. Please! Please!
Posted by: YL | June 10, 2007 at 12:13 AM
i want to come on the next adventure.
Posted by: george | June 10, 2007 at 10:40 AM
I found out what the 2nd building is. It is the Union Bank & Trust. I've heard their ceiling is magnificent and the pictures exceed even my expectation.
Posted by: YL | June 10, 2007 at 11:07 PM