I'm not sure where you're getting this from, but Mr. Gehry had strong feelings about vernacular architecture, and he considered this building as fitting that "program" (to use the most common term). IOW, look at most city architecture — take as an example the vaunted "cast iron buildings" in our neighborhood that people fight tooth and nail to preserve (I feel they're not worth preserving, but that's another discussion). What part of those buildings makes them appealing? This is what the architect was addressing, according to his own well-known assertions on the subject. As such, 8 Spruce is perfectly in keeping with the genre. — mulciber on Architect Frank Gehry and Downtown

Thank you TC for sharing these fascinating video portraits of artist neighbors created by Joshua Charow. Wonderful interviews of amazing subjects, beautifully documented. They reflect a singular time in Tribeca. — Wendy W on Seen & Heard: Shopping at Merlette for one day only

I plan on contacting the NYPD very soon to investigate some of my own recent experiences around the neighborhood. Frenchette Bakery claims to be all sourdough based, but my gluten allergy disagrees. And the amount of dairy at Locanda Verde is offensive. There's no way the ricotta crostini is ONLY sheep's milk. — Pepe on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

The flat side southern part of the building was the result of a cost saving measure, as the building started construction during the Great Recession. It was a shame that they couldn't carry the waves to all four sides, but at least they still built it. It's a great addition to the city skyline regardless. — Luis Vazquez (FiDi Fan Page) on Architect Frank Gehry and Downtown

Another small business gutted to make room for the ultra-rich. Rinse, lather, repeat. — Ned on The restoration of and new construction at 32 Walker

I’m not sure if anyone remembers Juanita’s on the Upper East Side, but they were famous for their very strong margaritas. I still recall saying about 40 years ago that drinking their margaritas was “like being on drugs.” They were delicious, fun, and definitely potent. This restaurant’s margaritas use three ounces of alcohol, which is essentially the strength of a martini. And how many martinis does it take to feel buzzed? I’d imagine these margaritas are even easier to drink because they’re sweeter than a martini and go down faster, often leading people to drink more without realizing it. Based on everything I’ve read, my opinion is that the restaurant did nothing wrong. The drinks were simply very strong. — JTC on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

The full floors are about 3200 square feet. The penthouse is 3800 square feet on two floors plus 2300 square feet of outdoor space. — Tribeca Citizen on The restoration of and new construction at 32 Walker

It's clear that Frank Gehry's Tribeca skyscraper is impactful but doesn't appeal to everyone's taste. It took me a while to warm to the facade's rippled appearance. However, IMHO, it has much more character than some of the other supertall residential towers that are clustered in Midtown. Compared with Gehry's other works, 8 Spruce does not overdo the squiggles and curves that are his hallmark. In fact, as a settled part of our skyline, it adds a modern touch that contrasts favorably with other neighborhood landmarks like the Woolworth Building. And, without being pilloried by architectural critics, I prefer this look to the originally monolithic but now somewhat softened building at 375 Pearl Street and Warnecke's windowless AT&T Long Lines building at 33 Thomas Street. And 8 Spruce holds my interest more than the shiny, inescapable skyscraper residence across the way (One Manhattan Square at 250 South Street). — Gary on Architect Frank Gehry and Downtown

Our investigation is complete, and the Neighborhood Watch concludes that the margaritas at Casa Carmen are perfect just the way they are and the recipe should not be changed. My spouse, our children, our parents, extended family, and friends will continue to spend quality time together dining at Casa Carmen and drinking their margaritas. Thank you for reading, and enjoy the holidays! — Neighborhood Watch on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

Unless the new business owners are ex-military, probably not a great idea to take on the dealers . . . — Reademan on A new pizza (sort of!) joint coming to the Saluggi’s space

Or early childhood development center school thingy... — Robert Ripps on Issey Miyake will close store after 24 years

This 1000% happened to me after 1 margarita here and no other drinks that evening. I was throwing up all the next day. I went to multiple doctors because I did not feel well for weeks after. — JJ on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

I agree with Bernie about the Telephone Sales building which has been there forever and constantly paints over its facade which seems to be a constant attraction for graffiti. I suppose its demise was inevitable but such a shame. And since it abuts the ex-Gari sushi place is it not inevitable that yet another building of "luxury lofts" will arise on those combined plots (first floor entirely devoted to pram storage)? — George Bacon on Sushi of Gari building has been sold

Thank you for this. Sounds like the floor-through apartments will be huge (and priced accordingly). Did they give estimate of the size? And any idea what kind of commercial tenant will be on the ground floor? Maybe another gallery. Or maybe they will allow a restaurant, but not likely. — Marcus on The restoration of and new construction at 32 Walker

From the 2011 NYT review: "(The flat south facade is comparatively conventional, and some may find perverse enjoyment in the fact that the building presents its backside to Wall Street.)" I have heard a rumor that this was intentional. Anyone know if that's true? — Ben on Architect Frank Gehry and Downtown

I think Gehry has done some wonderful buildings but Spruce St. to my mind is not among them. I don't get the point of making what looks like a normal skyscraper but one that seems draped and wrinkling in the wind. Eh? And how does that exterior impact the experience of living in one of the units? To me it is an eyesore. — George Bacon on Architect Frank Gehry and Downtown

Tribeca neighbors - go to Casa Carmen as frequently as you can. Unfortunately anecdotal stories like this (with zero evidence of probable cause as is the case here) blow up on social media and can kill a restaurant. Especially as food costs, margins, etc. already have restaurants teetering on the edge. So sad to see. All I can say is try try try to support them with your business, or they will become another boarded up storefront by mid-2026 — Jon Foster on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

If they aren’t landmarked, how high could replacement buildings go? Are there zoning restrictions? — Eve Herzog Robbins on Sushi of Gari building has been sold

. . . "footage of her table over the course of two and a half hours shows nothing unusual." Are we all being video-ed while eating at our table in all restaurants? — George Bacon on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

I’ve dined at Casa Carmen many times, and the margaritas are consistently excellent strong (in the best way!) and really well made. While some guests may have a lower tolerance, I’d strongly encourage you not to change the recipe or water them down but just to warn people of their strength and not having more than 2. We also often come in with our young children, and the staff is always incredibly accommodating and warm. The staff truly goes above and beyond every time. — Amanda on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

Oh no, not 132 West Broadway, home of Telephone Sales and Service Company! That business predates everything in the neighborhood. I will be very saddened to see them go, but happy for them at the same time. Pam’s excellent article here: https://tribecacitizen.com/2025/02/26/nosy-neighbor-whats-going-on-at-132-west-broadway/comment-page-1/ — Bernie W on Sushi of Gari building has been sold

This is a neighborhood gem! An amazing restaurant with great food! — John Blackwood on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

I’ve been to CC both for a good Sunday brunch with friends (one of the only places in New York with comfortable enough booths for 5 people to debrief on their weekend) and also to celebrate a night or a special occasion. I’m also a woman and always try to believe the victim. But when stories show holes like: leaving out the fact that she went to a bar (have you checked that footage? Or even accused them of tempering with your drink as well?), and have some holes/lies in their story (went home alone vs. with a friend) it just infuriates me because it makes it harder for actual victims to be believed. The fact that casa carmen is willing to: 1. Talk to the victim, 2. Show full footage, and 3. Cooperate with the police makes me actually believe they have nothing to hide. Would love to hear from the person what her stance is on the holes in her story + the (what I’m only assuming) is the state of the also current investigation under the bar she went to after. This are the things that hurt feminism. When people don’t tell the whole truth and just point fingers. Im happy CC is cooperating and we will soon be able to unveil the truth. I LOVE CC and have always had a good experience there. They always are nice, food is delicious, they are accommodating - nothing could be better. They also have strong margaritas - which everyone that goes and has one noticed early on… and appreciates it. They are delicious and they are not watered down - these are how margaritas are made. People just need to know that alcohol does make you dizzy and that it gets you drunk. — Tribeca community member on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

I’ve been to Casa Carmen several times and every single time has been a great experience. I hope that this event may remind people that having some strong margaritas and then going to bar can actually lead to being drunk — Mauricio R on A report of tampered drinks at Casa Carmen

They are Erik's! — Tribeca Citizen on Architect Frank Gehry and Downtown