Holdouts: Fascinating NYC Architecture Walking Tour

Discover the captivating stories of holdouts on this 2.5-hour walking tour of NYC’s Midtown Manhattan. Explore the fascinating side effects of the city’s real estate industry and witness the lasting impact on the city’s architecture.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • TPR Holdings - We start in lower lobby of this distinctive building where we’ll lay the groundwork for the tour, where we’ll go and what we’ll see. The building itself is the result of holdouts, and our first subject.
What's Included
  • Professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This 2.5-hour walking tour through Midtown Manhattan reveals the captivating tales of holdouts—an intriguing consequence of Manhattan’s high-stakes real estate market. These are instances where property owners or leaseholders refused to sell to developers, forcing them to alter their plans and permanently changing the cityscape. You’ll hear stories like…

Location
875 3rd Ave
3rd Avenue
Lower level lobby
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(29 Ratings)
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866shmuelh
Dec 24, 2024
Fantastic tour by a fabulous tour guide- thank you! - Rob is a fountain of enthusiasm and information- he knows more about NYC architecture and history than anyone I have ever met- and he loves constantly reading and learning. Anyone doing this tour will be rewarded and realize just how lucky they are- highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryd151
Dec 15, 2024
Unique angle on NYC, guided by a master - Who knew? Maybe you’ve seen a small building crammed between two skyscrapers and wondered what went wrong. In fact, these “ holdout” owners and buildings have unique histories and often, powerful purposes. For example, have you ever heard of a “lightsaver?” Not the candy, a short building that doesn’t block the sunlight of the apartments on the side of a very tall structure. Or the charm and pride of small businesses built by families who don’t want to give them up. The stories are many and all interesting. Rob Amell’s meticulous research has uncovered their histories and secrets, and the trip is worth it! This tour is not for first time visitors to our City but for those from NYC and away who love the uniqueness of our town. Rob is a master and he should write books about is work. His tours are 3 hours but zoom by. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sifredo_a
Dec 11, 2024
Unique - Great! Very knowledgeable. We were the I ly ones so got an extra hour. Highly recomend. Got to learn a few secret spots to enjoy later on.
Review provided by Viator
Matthew_f
Nov 17, 2024
Great tour from a history and architecture expert - My wife and I joined Rob and one other participant for this great tour of NYC Architectural Holdouts. Rob has studied the history and architecture of New York for many years, so it was cool to do the tour with an expert! He has a depth of knowledge that no other tour guide can compare with. He is generous with his time and knowledge. In addition to checking out a bunch of holdouts in midtown, we learned about air rights, privately-owned public spaces, buildings that are being "warehoused" until the lease of a tenant expires and the building can be torn down, and tons of interesting nuggets about the history of the city. We look forward to doing another tour with him!
Review provided by Viator
Eileen_m
Nov 17, 2024
Central Park Tour - Sara was a great tour guide. As a native New Yorker, she shared much of the history of the park and city. I would highly recommend this experience!
Review provided by Viator
Jpatrick2016
Oct 28, 2024
Fascinating tour - This is such a fascinating tour! It covers a large area of midtown Manhattan and goes into many interesting and hidden spots that we had no idea were there. Extremely informative about holdouts - all of us, including my children, 14 & 12, are now fully clued up on an area of architecture we previously knew nothing about! Thanks to Rob for a wonderful morning's tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrewn916
Oct 18, 2024
Can’t Recommend It Highly Enough - One of the best afternoons we have spent in NYC. We have been here many times and thought we would do something a little different. We are so pleased that we picked this tour. For anyone with an interest in architecture or the history of New York, this tour is essential. Informative, educational and fun. Robert is a first class guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelerq8620dq
Sep 23, 2024
You will look at NYC differently after this tour! - If you want something different then the standard walking tour, do this one! Rob covered the history of the NYC building trends, but this tour makes you look at the city completely differently. We couldn’t stop talking about what we learned and the little nooks and crannies we discovered in the tour. From interesting stories about who the holdouts were to how and why the city neighborhoods changed. The Holdouts changed the landscape of NYC and this tour will change how you look at the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindamz3752ei
Jun 25, 2024
History wrapped in Architecture ♥️ - Robert is an amazing wealth of knowledge. His pure love of all things NYC was so evident and truly inspiring. He and his tour are a credit to the Greatest City in the World!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_m
Jun 23, 2024
High recommend. - Such a great in depth tour! Very interesting and engaging day. We enjoyed all the stories the guide had to share!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 5 guests
1 Adult
February 2025
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