31st St Between 6th Ave and 7th Ave

In between the conflicting worlds of the garment district, Harold Square and Madison Square Garden; this block is ripe with similar conflict. With a myriad of older buildings lending a sense of warmth to the block, a handful of newer, taller buildings strip that warmth away. Perhaps the standout feature on the block are the cluster of buildings belonging to the Franciscan Friars. In stark comparison to the new hotels springing up all around, the short churches and houses of the Friars are beautifully detailed and stunningly well-preserved.

Coming up on 7th Avenue, don't be surprised if you're overtake by a wave of nausea. This is a normal reaction to entering into the world of Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. The universally-hated duo sit amongst lineups of cheap stores and cab stands. I'll be very interested to see what happens to this area once the East Side Access project begins bringing LIRR trains into Grand Central Terminal.