Raising the Roof along Central Park

In 1857, Elisha Otis installed the first elevator for passenger service in the Haughwout Building in SoHo. The next year, in 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux began creating Central Park. Olmsted and Vaux designed the park to be an antidote to the surrounding city. Little did they know how the elevator would ultimately impact their design.

On this leisurely walk in Central Park, we will view the surrounding skyline, discussing how it evolved starting a half billion years ago, with a focus on the influences of science, technology and government. Fascinating stories about many of these buildings and the park itself will add fun and an interesting dimension to our walk. As a volunteer for the Central Park Conservancy, Jack has spent countless hours helping visitors navigate the park and learn about its history and surroundings.