PLACE
Astor Place
The Venue
These two blocks, running between Broadway and Third Avenue and across Lafayette Street, Fourth Avenue, and Cooper Square, were named after aristocrat John Jacob Astor following his death in 1848.
In May 1849 the street was the site of the Astor Place Riot, the result of a theatrical feud between American actor Edwin Forrest and British actor William Macready which reflected social and political tensions among the socioeconomic classes.
Today Astor Place is home to “The Alamo” and action flick fans may recognize the intersection from the famous chase scene in the 1974 movie The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
Currently under reconstruction, new plans for Astor Place will include a series of public plazas that will transform the space into a pedestrian oasis and gateway to the Village.
