Kips Bay:

Kips Bay is a fabulous neighborhood located on the Eastern side of Manhattan. It is bounded by East River in East, Park Avenue in West, 34th street as northern border and 23rd street bordering the south. Kips Bay is often linked with Gramercy, Midtown East and Murray Hill that forms its adjacent neighboring regions.
The history of Kips Bay dates back to 16th Century. This territory was named after a Dutch settler whose farm extended from 30th street till the bay of East River. Hence, Jacobus Henderson Kip’s name was christened to this beautiful place as Kips Bay. This name has been retained although this the bay has become one of the most reclaimed areas.

During his time, Kip had built a massive stone and brick house which according to recent map is the center of intersection, between East 35th Street and Second Avenue during the period 1655 to 1851 and had underwent many expansions. It is believed to have had the first garden to be grown inside the colony. The orchard was famous for beautiful roses.

Kips Bay still has many pre war residential buildings and post war reminiscences although there are numerous modern high-rises. This area has many Co-op, Condos and apartment buildings that are up for rent and for sale. For instance, Manhattan Promenade, The Wilshire, The Habitat etc. There are over 80 apartment buildings that offer modern apartments for rent and over 20 Co-ops buildings.

The now demolished Church of the Sacred Hearts of Mary and Jesus used to be most frequented place during 1915 by Italian Americans from Little Italy. Kips Bay Towers, designed by architect Pei, comprise of two massive apartment buildings with over 1,110 units. The construction was completed in 1963. There are many successful businesses under the name of Kips Bay such as Kips Bay Cleaners, Kips Bay Cinemas, and Kips Bay New York Public Library.

This neighborhood was involved in New York and New Jersey Campaign apart from being functional at Landing at Kip’s Bay during 1776 that formed a part of American Revolutionary war. Around 5,000 British Army commanded by General William Howe defeated around 500 American forces overlooked by Colonel William Douglas. Later, British spread their wings on New York City while Americans retreated soon afterward.

The area inside the First Avenue consist of Institutional Buildings under New York University that includes Tisch School of the Arts, NYU School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital Center teaching hospital, Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine apart from the VA Hospital at Manhattan. There is also a brewing company, Kips Bay brewing, further north between East 37th street and East 38th Street on the First Avenue. This was originally built during 1896 but now converted into modern offices.

Kips Bay offers more of residential space with schools and colleges more suitable for couples and singles alike. One can feel the pre-war era in the design and architecture of houses that still stand to tell the stories of over a century. A silent neighborhood with not much activity when compared to other areas around.

 

Subway Access for Kips Bay

6 Train: 28th & Park, 23rd & Park

NYC MTA link for 6 train