New York City has never been static, but in the last decade or so Manhattan has seen some dramatic changes.
So to keep the memories of a bygone New York alive, two New York-based photographers, James and Karla Murray, documented the city’s transformation in a book, titled “Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York.”
“We hope this glimpse will bring awareness to the unique character these small mom-and-pop businesses add to the streets and neighborhoods of New York City and the sense of community they provide,” the Murrays, who have been East Villagers for more than 20 years, told the Huffington Post. “These storefronts have the city’s history etched into their facades. We also hope that viewers will frequent small businesses so that they will continue to survive for many more years.”
Here is a look at what the Murrays have seen change.
The iconic Bowery music venue CGBG closed in 2006. Today it is a designer clothing store.
The East Village institution, Mars Bar, closed in 2011. It was replaced by a TD Bank.
2nd Ave Deli had been a local fixture since it opened in 1954. But the deli moved in 2006. A Chase bank now has the space. [Huffington Post] — Christopher Cameron