MANHATTAN
When the plan for a bridge across the Harlem and East Rivers was announced in 1916, civic organizations in Harlem expressed strong support for the bridge. The planned approach would begin at the foot of 125th Street, a main thoroughfare which the Department of Plant and Structures called “the one real business street of Harlem.” Supporters predicted the bridge would renew building and real estate activity in Harlem. A major concern was traffic relief in Manhattan.
The center span of the Manhattan Lift Span raised after being floated into place. May 3, 1936. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of MTA Bridges and Tunnels Special Archive.
Harlem Magazine showed support for the bridge. Circa 1928. Harlem Board of Commerce. Municipal Archives, City of New York.
Robert Moses also supported plans to relieve traffic in Manhattan, and planned the upper portion of the East River Drive (now the FDR Drive) as a bridge approach. A considerable amount of land was needed for the approaches and connections in the industrial area of upper Manhattan. One large factory was the Washburn Wire Company. It occupied three full blocks on the East River and employed 1,200 workers. While the land could be acquired through condemnation, the loss of this industry during the Great Depression would have been a blow to the City. Instead, the front of the factory was chopped off, and floors were added to the top of the building so the square footage would not be reduced. An underground tunnel was also built to provide the factory with access to the Harlem River.
Workers at the Washburn Wire Company which was located along the East River between 116th and 119th Streets, July 26, 1934. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of MTA Bridges and Tunnels Special Archive.
The center span of the Manhattan Lift Span raised. June 25, 1936. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of MTA Bridges and Tunnels Special Archive.