Ladies’ Mile, Part One — A Nerdy Journey

Come take a slow walk of less than a mile in which detailed attention will be paid to the architectural riches and historic significance of the buildings along Broadway between E 17 and E 23 streets. This stretch of structures — some quite beautiful, some much altered, all rewarding close looking — are included in the Ladies’ Mile Historic District. They reveal a lot about NYC’s architectural and commercial history, including its fashion industry. Among the sites we’ll see are 180-year-old row houses, cast-iron department stores, early “skyscrapers” and the iconic Flatiron Building. We’ll also savor Madison Square Park and its surrounding Art Deco masterpieces, along with a stunning interior. (A future Ladies Mike walk will cover a second set of department stores, factories, warehouses and showrooms.) Limited to 20 participants.

How to Find Us: Meet in a shady spot on the northern side of Union Square (across from Barnes & Noble on E 17th St.) Public toilets are steps away at the northeastern corner of the park. The meeting point is a short walk from the Union Square subway station where several lines stop.

Please plan to eat lunch prior to the start of the walk at 12:30 pm. We will finish at Madison Square Park on E 23rd St between Fifth and Madison avenues. The N, Q, R, W and 1 trains all stop nearby. $5 for non-members of the New York Outdoors Club.

Kevin J. Kelly 802-989-1669