Jane Jacobs vs Robert Moses

Explore the fascinating story of two New Yorkers whose rivalry shaped Downtown Manhattan on this engaging walking tour. Stroll through Greenwich Village and SoHo while learning about the epic clashes between Robert Moses the ambitious urban planner and Jane Jacobs the neighborhood activist and writer. Discover how Moses’s grand projects threatened beloved parks and historic streets, while Jacobs fought to preserve the character and life of the communities. Your expert guide shares stories of battles over Washington Square Park, Washington Square Village, and the proposed Lower Manhattan Expressway, highlighting the tension between large-scale urban planning and grassroots neighborhood advocacy. This tour offers a unique lens into the forces that shaped the city we see today. As you walk the streets that inspired Jacobs and saw Moses’s impact, admire SoHo’s historic cast-iron architecture and consider how design and activism intersected to protect the neighborhood. Hear about urban planning theories and the legacies of these two influential figures, gaining a deeper understanding of how their decisions continue to influence New York City’s streets, parks, and culture. This experience blends history, architecture, and social insight, providing a thought-provoking exploration of the city’s evolving identity and the power of community advocacy.