45th St Between 3rd Ave and Lexington Ave

This street, to me, embodies the "midtown office" culture. Overflowing with stores, lunch spots, and anything else the 9to5ers could need, the street is completely devoid of any character or charming quality. I walk down here quite often on the way to my own "9to5" and it's interesting to see it constantly evolving. It seems the very location of this street, amongst the hustle and bustle, makes it immune to the normal influences and culture which allow other areas of town to incubate and evolve naturally. I really can't complain too much, the mishmash and decay of 45th street make it an interesting place to photograph and talk about - but it's unfortunate that many tourists and visitors see this as an example of New York after arriving in or around Grand Central.

While we're here, it would be remiss of me not to put out a plea to the New York Health & Racquet Club: Please stop putting your sign in the middle of the sidewalk. It's already crowded up by those oversized planters, and when combined with your relentless advertising, leaves a passageway large enough for only one person at a time. This is midtown, I'm astonished people put up with that.

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Comments

[Shalimar]

Heyyyy I pass by there everyday. It is a very uncomfortable street. Xept for Midtown Comics. wee!