TriBeCa: A Former Industrial Neighborhood in New York
TriBeCa is a New York neighborhood that has transformed significantly since the 1960s. Yet the district retains its distinctive industrial architecture.
What to Know About TriBeCa in New York
- TriBeCa is a neighborhood in the southern part of Manhattan. The name itself comes from its location: TriBeCa stands for “Triangle Below Canal”, the triangle south of Canal Street. In reality, the neighborhood’s boundaries form an irregular trapezoid rather than a true triangle. TriBeCa is bordered by the Financial District to the south, Chinatown to the east, SoHo to the north, and the Hudson River to the west. That’s a prime location in Manhattan.
- The neighborhood boomed during America’s industrial expansion in the mid-19th century. Its proximity to Hudson River piers attracted textile factories and warehouses. Shops followed, including New York’s major pet stores.
- TriBeCa began transforming in the 1960s when New York City launched urban renewal plans to encourage residential development. At the same time, artists moved into the neighborhood, converting old warehouses into lofts. A local residents’ association, the Triangle Below Canal Block Association, gave the neighborhood its name.
- Today, TriBeCa is one of New York’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Real estate prices have reached record highs. As of July 2023, expect to pay over $5,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment—if you can find one.
What to See in TriBeCa
- Like neighboring SoHo, TriBeCa is filled with cast-iron buildings. These remarkable structures are now protected landmarks and mostly beautifully restored. Don’t miss the Textile Building at 66 Leonard Street, the Cary Building at 105-107 Chambers Street, and the American Thread Building at 260 West Broadway. All three blend Italian Renaissance style with cast-iron facades.
- Also worth seeing is the striking brick building of the New York Mercantile Exchange at the corner of Harrison and Hudson Streets. The commodities exchange no longer operates here, but this 1886 structure remains beautifully preserved and now houses offices and apartments.
- For something completely different and modern, check out the striking tower at 56 Leonard Street. This residential building, inspired by the Jenga game, appears to balance precariously between earth and sky. It’s the work of Swiss architecture firm Herzog & De Meuron. At ground level, play with the reflections in a giant bean-shaped mirror on the sidewalk—a work by British artist Anish Kapoor.
- If you’re a film fan, head to the corner of Varick and N. Moore Streets. You’ll find Ladder Company 8, an active fire station that served as a filming location for Ghostbusters. The spirits of the Ghostbusters still seem to hover over the firehouse. See my article on the Ghostbusters firehouse in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is TriBeCa famous?
TriBeCa is known first for its stunning heritage and cast-iron buildings. The neighborhood regularly makes celebrity headlines because many famous people live here. TriBeCa also stands out each spring as the home of the TriBeCa Film Festival. Co-founded by Robert De Niro in 2002, this festival ranks among the world’s major film festivals.
Which celebrities live in TriBeCa?
The list of celebrities living in TriBeCa is quite long. Singer Justin Timberlake and actresses Meg Ryan and Jennifer Lawrence all own apartments at 443 Greenwich Street. Actress Scarlett Johansson and singers Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift have also bought property in the neighborhood.
TriBeCa in Photos
