••• “When John ‘The Tree Whisperer’ Lambert set up his sidewalk Christmas tree stand in the East Village this year, he slashed his prices. Not because of slowing demand—sales are brisk. It’s his new location. ‘I sold a 14-foot tree here for $200,’ he says. ‘Down in Tribeca, the same tree would get $475. I guarantee it.’ […] Six-foot trees are selling for $30 in the Woodside neighborhood of Queens, $45 in Harlem and $80 in Brooklyn Heights. In Tribeca, meanwhile, they can fetch $160 or more. […] The sidewalk fronting Washington Market Park in Tribeca rents for $35,800, which explains those zany Tribeca prices.” —Wall Street Journal

••• “The Excelsior Power Company building, at 33-43 Gold St., was designated a landmark Tuesday by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. […] The Romanesque revival building, designed by architect William Grinnell, has a red brick exterior that has ornamental terra cotta detailing—including an existing sign that reads Excelsior Power Co. BLDG A.D. 1888.” —DNAinfo

••• “Twice a week, hours after the markets have closed for the day and legions of Wall Street workers have hurried home, the doors are open and the lights still on in the ground floor cafeteria at 55 Water Street. There, 125 volunteers, most of them Wall Street professionals from Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan and other nearby financial institutions will spend 90 minutes tutoring youngsters aged 8 to 18, many of whom have taken long subway rides for this free help.” —Tribeca Trib