THE BEAN IS COMING TOGETHER
The Anish Kapoor sculpture at 56 Leonard is chugging along, piece by shiny curved piece. There are now some glimpses of the finish — or see this post to watch a time lapse of the first piece getting unwrapped. The interior is just as interesting as the outside — I hope they leave some sort of time capsule inside — or maybe include a trap door? And to give you a sense of what it *will* look like, below, a cool snap from neighbor Nicki Francis from her visit to Cloud Gate in Chicago…

MICHELIN-STARRED NEIGHBORHOOD
Michelin has added Lower Manhattan to its list of three-star destinations — the 100-year-old institution’s highest honor — according to its 2019 Green Guide. We have two Michelin-starred restaurants within one square mile (Crown Shy, L’Appart) plus other tourist attractions that add to the honor — such as One World Trade Observatory and Federal Hall.

WALT WHITMAN ON PEARL
On Friday, Dec. 13, 375 Pearl (the Verizon building just north of the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian underpass) will open its public seating plaza that will include architectural panels inscribed with the poetry of Walt Whitman. The event is from 4 to 6p, rain or shine, and will include some activities for kids.

PORTFOLIO SCHOOL GETS OLDER
The Portfolio School will add seventh grade next year (2020-2021) as it inches its way towards a k-12 school.