New-York tribune., 1902-07-25
MAKE IT A FINE HOME AVENUE.
CHANCE FOR SPLENDID DWELLINGS
ALONG THE PROPOSED GRAND
CONCOURSE.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: \ few DAYS ago The Tribune remarked
editorlaIly that The Bronx would try from year
year live up 20 its blue china-the magnificent
possibilities of the Grand Concourse.
In one sense II is. indeed. 20 be hoped that The
Bronx VIII prove equal 20 the poss. OF this
imposing project. and that is In the character OF
the development along this thoroughfare- II Is
one Of the peculiar features OF New-York's growth
that property fronting thoroughfares designed
a broad and imposing scale does develop
contemplated Il doubtless would In other
cities. There IS the Grand Boulevard. II
formerly called. on Manhattan. II intended
for a beautiful residence avenue. yet. for years.
the only residence at all worthy OF II that of
Fernando Wood. And when IL 1873. the extension
OF the elevated railway northward from Fifty
uiuth-st gave impetus 10 a development OF the
upper West Side. which has made it one Of the
most attractive residence sections Of NewYCrk il
was not the Boulevard, with its central parkway
and rows Of trees that chosen for hand
some residences, but the unlmportant side streets
and an avenue unpromising that its very name
Eleventh -ave.-rnust needs De changed to West
End-aye. JeTome-ave- in The Bronx is another in
stance Of failure TO develop anticipated
And development along that most beautiful OF
ali drives. Riverside Drive has only in part proved
equal its magnificent possibilities. That was a
noble conception, that charming sinuous roadway
skirting the majestic Hudson I never pass along
# and drink in its exquisite scenery that l do not
bless those whose foresight preserved 10 rs this
and. And yet never pass along IL without also
consciousness OF dtscordant note intruding upon
otherwise exquisite harmony In the tail apart
ment houses and harsh and ungainly skylnes Of
the productions of the speculative builder and
think what Il might have been II developed with
detached residences and well kept grounds, with
thoughts perhaps of the Lake Shore Drive, for,
though the fat rnoIotOuy OF Lake Michigan can
not compare with the beautiful Hudson and its
commanding background, the wealthy people OF
Chicago showed of the fitness or
things in its development One sometimes wonders
that the wealthy men OF New-York should have
passed by the magnificent possibilities of River
cid fnrir~a rNR rat nf
Fifth-ave
And so, a development commensurate with its
possibilities is much be desired along the Grand
ConCoUrse in The Bronx For here is a broad
tkoroughfare Of such proportions, altitude and dis
tance from main railway lines as 10 make il seem
ingy undesirable for tenements, stores or flats but
on the other hand. ideal site for the homes OF
the well 10 do. IN its conception II seems likely
10 prove Of the most imposing of Newly ork's
thoroughfares. an object Of interest 10 visitors
well as the pride Of The Bronx. Whether il will
prove SO reality. the degree of enterprise and
preciative response OF the a6utung property own
ers 70 the invitation offered by It's general scheme
will determine. There IS room for ideal resi-
Gence thorouEhfaTe in NewYork City
ce no I'M