Introduction

The block between 8^th and 9^th and 42^nd and 43^rd is not a particularly interesting place at first glance. One might even miss that there is in fact a small park on the corner of 9^th and 43^rd. (I certainly did.) The block itself appears to be a simple residential area filled with apartment buildings of various, contrasting styles. That is really all it is. But, the questions as to why it is this way and not some other reveal that this block is truly a microcosm of city development. While it has always been a residential area, the types of buildings have gradually shifted from single family homes to large apartment complexes due to changes in zoning laws. The development of a park here also demonstrates the ever present ideal to escape from city life within the city. In the midst of high density living, there still remains a handful of houses from just over a century ago. These serve as a constant reminder of where this block came from while the apartments stand to declare where it will go.