88th St Between 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave

   

Starting quaintly-enough with a handful of older buildings and restaurants, this stretch of 88th Street quickly evolves into a series of high-rises apartments which seem to dominate over the more timid structures. In the middle of the block #230 E88th sits uncomfortably between far more attractive apartments. Near 3rd Avenue, the squat Valley National Bank feels incredibly out-of-place and tacky. Even a luxury condo would fit better on this lot – such as the unfortunate one across the street.

For all its flaws, the rest of the block is well-served by the turn of the century buildings which each have their own individual character and charm. It's a shame that just three buildings can so drastically shape one's opinion of a neighborhood.