Ludlow St Between Stanton St and Rivington St

Today's photos were taken by my good friend Shalimar Luis. Please be sure to visit her website, which is full of her amazing artwork ranging from illustrations and painting to typography and graphic design.

The anachronistic feel one gets while walking down this block (and, indeed, around the neighborhood) is palpable and unique. Side by side you'll find both the authentic and the modern – stores representing more than just their era, but their unique place in the city.

Of course, this being the Lower East Side, endless elements and details ranging from architectural oddities to great remnants of street art dot the area.

This is an interesting time for these downtown neighborhoods. Despite the overwhelming presence of low-rise buildings (I would imagine they still make up the majority of structures), the ever-rising buildings around the neighborhood (as shown yesterday with the new SVA dorms on Delancey) creates an interesting hierarchy of silhouettes across the skyline.

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