Third Avenue (Manhattan)

Third Avenue (Manhattan). A major north-south thoroughfare on the East Side of Manhattan, Third Avenue runs from Cooper Square at Astor Place in the south to the Harlem River Drive at the Willis Avenue Bridge in the north. Historically known for its elevated railway and post-war transformation, the avenue traverses diverse neighborhoods including the East Village, Murray Hill, the Upper East Side, and East Harlem. It is a vital commercial corridor lined with restaurants, shops, and residential towers, reflecting the evolving character of New York City.

Route description

Third Avenue begins at its intersection with Cooper Square and St. Mark's Place near Astor Place, marking the border between the East Village and NoHo. Proceeding north, it forms the western edge of Gramercy Park and cuts through the heart of Murray Hill, passing notable cross streets like East 34th Street and East 42nd Street. North of East 59th Street, it serves as a primary artery for the Upper East Side, running parallel to Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue. The avenue continues through Carnegie Hill and into East Harlem, finally terminating at the entrance to the Willis Avenue Bridge, which connects to the Bronx. Key parallel routes include Second Avenue to the east and Fourth Avenue to the west in its southern section.

History

The avenue's origins trace to the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, which established the Manhattan street grid. Its character was profoundly shaped by the opening of the Third Avenue El in 1878, a New York Elevated Railroad line that spurred commercial development and dense tenement housing, particularly in Lower Manhattan and the Lower East Side. The demolition of the El south of East 59th Street in 1955, following the advocacy of figures like Robert Moses, dramatically altered the streetscape, allowing more light and spurring redevelopment. The post-war era saw the decline of its traditional Irish American tavern culture, memorialized in works like Billy Joel's song "Piano Man," and its gradual transformation into a corridor of modern high-rise apartments and corporate offices.

Transportation

Third Avenue is a major bus corridor, primarily served by MTA Regional Bus Operations routes including the M101, M102, and M103 lines. While the Third Avenue El is gone, the avenue is flanked by New York City Subway lines: the IRT Lexington Avenue Line (serving the 4, 5, 6, and <6> trains) runs under Park Avenue to the west, and the IND Second Avenue Line (Q train) runs under Second Avenue to the east. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority also operates Select Bus Service along portions of the corridor. Historically, the avenue was also used by streetcar lines operated by the Third Avenue Railway.

Notable buildings and landmarks

Notable structures along Third Avenue include the iconic Chrysler Building, which fronts on East 42nd Street, and the Daily News Building on East 41st Street. The Morgan Library & Museum is located just off the avenue on Madison Avenue. Further north, the Sotheby's headquarters is situated at York Avenue and East 72nd Street, near the avenue. Historic institutions include Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, located in Carl Schurz Park adjacent to the avenue at East 88th Street. The Seventh Regiment Armory on Park Avenue at East 66th Street is also in the vicinity. In East Harlem, the avenue passes near El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York.

In popular culture

Third Avenue has been a frequent backdrop in film, literature, and music. It is famously mentioned in Billy Joel's 1973 song "Piano Man" with the lyric "And the piano sounds like a carnival / And the microphone smells like a beer / And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar / And say, 'Man, what are you doin' here?'" referencing its then-prevalent bar scene. The avenue appears in numerous films set in New York City, including scenes in Breakfast at Tiffany's and The French Connection. Literary references can be found in the works of J.D. Salinger and Tom Wolfe. The demolition of the Third Avenue El itself was documented in the classic short film "The Last Elevated" by Jay Leyda.

Category:Streets in Manhattan Category:East Side, Manhattan