I was now starting my walk back, first stop “Sutton Place”.

According to CityNeighborhoods.nyc:

Sutton Place is nestled between East 53rd Street and the 59th Street (Queensboro) Bridge, 3rd Avenue and the East River. The neighborhood sports iconic views of midtown and a curious mixture of old, classic New York buildings and new, shimmering high rises.

Nestled along the East River in Manhattan, Sutton Place is a neighborhood known for its elegance, exclusivity, and stunning waterfront views. This upscale enclave is characterized by its tree-lined streets, pre-war buildings, and a tranquil atmosphere that sets it apart from the bustling energy of Midtown Manhattan. Sutton Place is named after Effingham B. Sutton, an early settler and property owner in the area. Over the years, the neighborhood has attracted a mix of affluent residents, including business tycoons, diplomats, and celebrities, drawn to its quiet charm and proximity to amenities. The neighborhood is home to luxurious residential buildings, private townhouses, and upscale co-ops, providing a coveted address for those seeking refined city living. Sutton Place is also known for its lush parks and public spaces, such as Sutton Place Park, where residents can enjoy picturesque views of the river and the iconic Roosevelt Island. With its blend of prestige, serenity, and beautiful surroundings, Sutton Place stands as a coveted residential destination in the heart of Manhattan.

The neighborhood of Sutton Place in Manhattan derives its name from Effingham B. Sutton, a wealthy landowner and businessman who owned property in the area during the late 19th century. The land where Sutton Place now stands was once part of the estate owned by the Astor family, one of New York City’s most prominent families at the time. Effingham B. Sutton, a descendant of the Sutton family, purchased a portion of the Astor estate and developed it into a residential area. The neighborhood gradually took on his name, becoming known as Sutton Place. Today, Sutton Place is renowned for its prestigious addresses, upscale residential buildings, and its reputation as a desirable enclave for affluent residents.

The history of the neighborhood of Sutton Place in Manhattan can be traced back to the 19th century. Originally, the area was part of the larger estate owned by the Astor family, one of New York City’s most prominent families of the time. The land remained relatively undeveloped until Effingham B. Sutton, a wealthy landowner and businessman, purchased a portion of the Astor estate in the late 19th century. Sutton envisioned creating an upscale residential enclave in this prime location along the East River. He developed the area with stately townhouses and elegant buildings, attracting affluent residents seeking a refined and exclusive neighborhood. Over the years, Sutton Place has continued to maintain its reputation as a prestigious address, known for its upscale residential buildings, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful views of the East River. The neighborhood’s history reflects the vision of Effingham B. Sutton and the transformation of the once rural landscape into a sought-after residential enclave in Manhattan.

Sutton Place, located in Manhattan, is home to several major landmarks and attractions that contribute to its allure and appeal. One prominent landmark is the Sutton Place Park, which runs along the East River and offers stunning panoramic views of the water and the iconic Roosevelt Island. The park provides a serene oasis where residents and visitors can relax, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a picnic while soaking in the picturesque surroundings. Another notable attraction in the neighborhood is the River House, an iconic Art Deco building that has been a symbol of elegance and exclusivity since its construction in 1931. With its distinctive architecture and luxurious apartments, the River House has long been associated with the epitome of sophistication and refined living. Additionally, Sutton Place is renowned for its beautiful townhouses and residential buildings, many of which boast architectural splendor and historical significance. These elegant structures contribute to the neighborhood’s charm and appeal, attracting those seeking a blend of prestige, tranquility, and upscale living.

Sutton Place, Manhattan has been home to numerous famous individuals over the years. One notable resident of Sutton Place was actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. She resided in the neighborhood during the height of her career and brought her elegance and charm to the area. The renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe also called Sutton Place her home, where she created many of her iconic paintings. Another prominent figure associated with the neighborhood is architect Philip Johnson, known for his contributions to modernist architecture. His innovative designs have left a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Sutton Place. Additionally, the neighborhood has been favored by notable figures from various fields, including business tycoons, politicians, and influential socialites, all adding to the rich tapestry of history and glamour associated with Sutton Place.

The red plaque on the building above read:

Ieoh Ming (I.M.) Pei
April 26, 1917 – May 16, 2019
11 Sutton Place, Manhattan

Ieoh Ming Pei, born in Guangzhou, China to Lian Jun Zhuang and Tsuyee Pei (a key figure in the creation of China’s modern banking system), came to the U.S. to attend MIT, where he received his B. Arch (1940), and met Wellesley student Eileen Loo; they married in 1942. He received an M.Arch (1946) from Harvard. Two years later, developer William Zeckendorf, Sr. invited him to lead his new in-house architectural design team; early projects include Kips Bay Plaza in NYC (1957-62). By 1960, I.M. Pei & Associates was an independent firm. His selection to design the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library was followed by other prestigious commissions, including government and office buildings, hotels, museums, and a concert hall. His works include the National Gallery, East Building, Washington, DC (1968-78); Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong (1982-89); The Grand Louvre, Paris (1983-93), and the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar (2003-08). Pei, the consummate architect/diplomat, received the 1979 AIA Gold Medal, the 1983 Pritzker Prize in Architecture, and the 1992 U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The family lived here for almost 50 years, until his death in 2019.

I remember that shortly after I started my career with Unicef I visited Sutton Place. The then Executive Director, Henry Labouisse lived there. I took the elevator up and was surprised to find that it opened directly onto the apartment (i.e. not onto a corridor). This was the first time I’d ever seen anything like that.

Taken with a Sony RX10 IV.

A lot different from the other pictures I took of the bridge. Here I was more or less under it. I like the way the stonework framed the cars and the tree and the buildings in the background. It’s not easy to see, but the woman standing in front of the silver car is looking through either a camera lens, or binoculars – right at me.

Taken with a Sony RX10 IV.

These pictures are of the Roosevelt Island Tramway:.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway is an aerial tramway that crosses the East River in New York City, connecting Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The tramway is the first commuter aerial tramway in the U.S., having opened on May 17, 1976, to serve residential developments on Roosevelt Island. The tram is operated by Leitner-Poma on behalf of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York.

Before the tramway opened, Roosevelt Island had been accessed via the Roosevelt Island Bridge from Queens, which had opened in 1955. Starting in the late 1960s, the 63rd Street subway line was built to connect new developments on the island to Manhattan. Due to delays in the subway’s construction, the tramway was proposed in 1971 and approved in 1973, initially as a temporary mode of transport. The tramway carried 1.25 million riders in its first year and remained popular thereafter, despite intermittent closures. Ridership declined sharply after the subway opened in 1989, though the tramway remained in operation. Following two major breakdowns in the mid-2000s, the tramway was rebuilt from March to November 2010. The stations were renovated in the late 2010s.

Originally, the tram used two 125-person cabins that were hauled by the same cable. After the 2010 renovation, the cabins were replaced with 110-person vehicles that could operate independently. The cabins travel 3,140 feet (960 m) between an at-grade terminal on Roosevelt Island and an elevated terminal on Manhattan Island. The route operates at all times except late nights, with headways of 7.5 to 15 minutes. The tramway uses the same fare structure as the city’s bus and subway systems, and fares are paid with either MetroCard or OMNY. Over the years, the Roosevelt Island Tramway has been the subject of commentary and praised as an icon of New York City, and it has been depicted in several works of media.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway also played an incredibly important part in my life, but I think I’ll keep that to myself for now.

Taken with a Sony RX10 IV