Glossary

The blocks of Lower Manhattan are engaging for their endless variety. Each block is uniquely complex as to its purpose, design, and interconnection to the city. Blocks reveal themselves well when observed through the context of continuity (similarities in purpose and appearance), contrast (disparity, variety, and comparison), and character (personality and background). The following terms are but a small sample of the patterns and conditions that exist, for a block can be seen and described in many ways.

Archipodge block: A block that has no two buildings with the same architectural style.

Back block: The backside of a prominent block, which dominates or strongly influences its character.

Binder block: A large number of educational buildings that creates an urban campus on a block.

Blur block: Serves the city for the free movement of cars with multiple lanes and timed lights. The block is a blur to both drivers and pedestrians.

Border block: A block that takes on the character of two neighborhoods.

Cargo block: A block with mostly warehouses and or storage centers.

Cellblock: Newly developed in a manner that disregards the original architecture and building materials. Any similarity to prison architecture is intentional.

Century block: Two distinct styles of architecture that face each on opposite sides of the street. This often refers to 19th versus 20th century. One of the great ironies in real estate is that the most visually offensive property has the better view.

Chat block: Where a large number of people stand and talk. Chat blocks are common in Lower Manhattan, as neighbors get to know each other better, which makes urban life so agreeable.

Chopped block: Renovated, bricked, and painted to distraction for short-term gain and long-term loss to the neighborhood. These blocks can reclaim their former glory as long as the original buildings have not been torn down.

Clear block: No trees. Not always a negative condition as some city blocks especially on Broadway, do well without them.

Cloister block: Hard to find, often because of the maze-like pattern of intersecting streets that create odd angles and dead ends. These blocks live peacefully in the shadow of easy-to-find blocks.

Community block: A balance in the retail mix meets both the needs of the neighborhood with essential services (service block) and of the greater community with restaurants and shops that have broader appeal.

Crossroads block: A block that marks the coming together of two or more distinct cultures in population and retail storefronts.