A Brief History of Tribeca
Tribeca is one of the most sought after, trendy and creative areas in New York City for both office space and chic places to live. It’s home to the Tribeca Film Festival, as well as premiere artists such as Robert Deniro, Harvey Kettle, Harry Styles, and Justin Timberlake.
However, Tribeca is more than a creative hub.
Because of its proximity to the New York Supreme Court and United States Federal Courts it is a destination for Law Firms who want proximity to the Court system, making it an ideal place to work (but more on that a bit later!).
If you want to understand the significance of this premier Manhattan neighborhood, it is important to first take a look back at its history.
Origins of Tribeca
Both Soho and Tribeca can trace their roots all the way back to the mid-1600s. Tribeca was originally farmland that was owned by Dutch settlers. The adjacent Soho was given to freed slaves of the Dutch West Indies Company. It was also used as farmland and was acquired by a local settler in the 1660s.
The governor took possession of Tribeca in the 1670s. The land was later given to Trinity Church in 1705. The area remained largely unaltered for the next century, at which time the church built the famous St. John’s Chapel. Shortly after, one of the city’s first residential neighborhoods was also built in Tribeca.
Development progressed over the next several decades. Tribeca ultimately became a central freight receiving area. St. Johns’ Park was even converted into a freight depot. The area featured pet stores, radios, and firework stands. This growth continued into the early 1900s.
By the early 1960s, Tribeca was experiencing a substantial downturn in its industries. As a result, NYC officials instituted a comprehensive redevelopment plan. This included the demolition of outdated structures and the creation of new high-rises.
Many old warehouse buildings were converted into loft housing. This approach had been used in Soho with great success. However, certain zoning restrictions slowed this process and endangered the housing of thousands of locals.
As a result, the Triangle Below Canal Block Association was formed. The group sought to make changes to the current zoning status to legalize their loft-style housing. Thus, the name Tribeca was born. It was originally spelled “TriBeCa” (and many locals still use this spelling today).
The September 11th terrorist attacks disheartened all of New York. However, Tribeca was hit especially hard as they were practically at ground zero for the incident. A series of grants and other federal incentives helped residents to rebound. The incident led to the creation of the Tribeca Film Festival, which celebrates NYC’s rich filmmaking ties.
Highlights of TriBeCa
As one of NYC’s original residential districts, Tribeca has no shortage of high-class restaurants and other unique offerings. One of the most popular is the Takahachi Bakery, which is located in the heart of this storied neighborhood. The eatery is known for putting a modern spin on authentic Japanese delicacies, including miso almond cookies, olive rye wasabi buns, and stuffed shokupan bread.
Not one for sweets? Don’t worry, Tribeca has some great options for the more health-conscious guests, including Mulberry & Vine. They offer a broad range of vegetarian dishes, such as Moroccan quinoa and charred avocado. They also have plenty of choices for meat eaters, including a wildly popular turkey and white bean chili.
You will find no shortage of diversity when it comes to Tribeca’s restaurant offerings. If the two eateries featured above did not pique your interest, our third option is sure to do so.
The Brandy Library is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day at the office. They serve a wide variety of cocktails and even have in-house sommeliers to help you find the perfect drink for your taste. You can pair your handcrafted drink with one of their unique dishes, such as spicy tuna rolls or filet mignon, just to name a few.
Make no mistake, Tribeca offers much more than just great food and drinks. It is also a haven for artists, historians, and bookworms alike. One of the biggest draws to the avid reader is The Mysterious Bookshop. They have a huge selection of hardcover classics and the latest page-turners. They also have several book clubs if you want to engage with other readers
No list of Tribeca attractions would be complete without mentioning the Poster Museum. This gallery has thousands of vintage pieces dating back over 150 years. With a total space of roughly 12,600 square feet, it is easy to get lost in this hall of advertising history. It also features hundreds of original sculptures and paintings.
Must-See Attractions in Soho
While Tribeca is an amazing place to work in its own right, it is also perfectly situated next to the booming Soho neighborhood. There are tons of great restaurants and other attractions that are within walking distance of Tribeca.
Among other things, the Big Apple is known for finely crafted coffee. If you are searching for a top-tier local coffee shop, look no further than Everyman Espresso. The talented staff will curate your coffee buying experience and help you to pick the perfect drink for your tastes. It provides a low-key, welcoming environment for every guest.
Are you a film connoisseur? If so, then you have to check out Soho’s Film Forum. The Film Forum is the only nonprofit cinema in NYC. They show American classics, the latest documentaries, and award-winning independent foreign and domestic films.
Tribeca isn’t the only NYC neighborhood that highlights local arts. Soho is home to the Children’s Museum of the Arts. This 10,000 square foot space hosts special events, weekly art classes, and even clay sculpting. Both children and adults can enroll in these courses to tap into their inner artists.
Ready to Work in Tribeca?
After hearing about all that Tribeca has to offer, who wouldn’t want to work there? Thanks to Bevmax Office Centers, you can make this dream a reality.
Bevmax Office Centers offers high-quality executive office space throughout Manhattan, including Tribeca. As part of your rental agreement, you will have access to top-tier amenities, including a receptionist, conference area, kitchen, high-speed internet, furniture, and office equipment.
If you would like to obtain a quote, simply call our office or fill out our online contact form. One of our team members will respond to your request promptly to help you find the ideal workspace for your business.