Vanishing NYC: The iconic Roseland Ballroom in Times Square is closing forever in April, to make way for a 59-story condo. But this dance and concert space, former ice skating palace and site of championship boxing matches is going out in style, with five nights of performances by Lady Gaga, which are sold out, even the $400 tickets.
The new high rise most certainly will have apartment prices affordable only to American hedge fund managers, Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern oil sheiks and Chinese billionaires, not the rest of us mere mortals. They will be living above the “store” where the likes of the Rolling Stones, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Nirvana performed, and which was an inspiration for the movie They Shoot Horses Don’t They about dance marathons in The Depression, when the last couple standing earned enough prize money to pay the rent and feed the family.
Here are links to a couple of articles about one more piece of NYC history that’s vanishing, and some wonderful historic images:
- Wall St. Journal article focuses on Roseland Ballroom’s boxing history
- New York Observer article focuses on Roseland Ballroom’s music history, and other NYC music venues that have been silenced, including Lenox Lounge in Harlem and Kenny’s Castaway in the Village
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.