How Manhattan’s Grid Grew

When I'm showing properties downtown, I often like to point out certain streets such as Stuyvesant Street, that survived the "grid system" imposition, mostly due to political connections and/or prominence of those who lived there. Such angled streets, as they crisscross the numered streets and lettered avenues, provide a modern charm and reminder of the New York City that once was. The article in the 3/20/11 issue of the New York Times provides a fascinating overview of how the modern day grid system was developed.

How Manhattan’s Grid Grew

In 1811, John Randel created a proposed street grid of Manhattan. Compare his map, along with other historic information, to modern-day Manhattan.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/21/nyregion/map-of-how-manhattan-grid-grew.html