Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 April 1901 — Underground New York [ARTICLE]

Underground New York

In the Near Future One May Shop Entirely Below the Level of the Street.

Owing to the rapid transit tunnel in New York city, underground stores are apt to become a feature. The city has extended some distance toward the sky in many instances and now it appears to be bent on going in the opposite direction. Subterraneai arcades are being planned by real estate speculators and they expect to make a big profit from the enterprise. In Longacre square, where the bulk of realty manipulation has taken place recently a combination of wealthy agents who were too late to secure surface space have contracted for the privilege of building structures underground, on a level with and adjoining the new rapid transit station. The

arcade idea has spread rapidly along the entire tunnel line. Down town it has taken the shape of plans to erect booths and stores underground, connecting with mercantile and office buildings. The advantage of underground construction has given an added value to property all along the route. According to one enthusiastic promoter, the arcades will be much more elaborate than anything ever attempted in London or Paris. Instead of mere kiosks, where books, papers and flowed can be bought, it is proposed to rent store space to merchants in all branches of trade, so that one so inclined can shop entirely below the level of the street.