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"Phase 3" Delights in City History
As New York battles the Coronavirus pandemic this summer, city businesses and public spaces are re-opening in phases. In Phase 3, libraries, tattoo parlors, spas, massage and nail salons, basketball and tennis courts, dog runs, and public beaches are among the spaces to open back up to the public—including some of these long-standing New York City establishments.
West 133rd Street Playground
In Phase 3, New Yorkers can return to their neighborhood basketball, bocce, and tennis courts for some friendly games outside.
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Knickerbocker Field Club
The Knickerbocker Field club has operated in Flatbush, Brooklyn since 1889. Its tennis courts will be among the city establishments to re-open in Phase 3.
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Edgemere Club Hotel
Now a vacant lot, the Edgemere Club Hotel opened in the Rockaways in 1894 for wealthier New Yorkers seeking weekend vacation spots outside of the city. Guests could swim at the beach, sail boats, and play tennis—many recreational activities permitted in Phase 3.
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First Park Bocce Courts
This Lower East Side bocce court was the first in New York City, established by Mayor La Guardia in 1934.
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Coney Island Beach
Public beaches will finally re-open, offering New Yorkers this city staple during its hot and humid summer months.
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108-110 West 136th Street
Spas, massage and tattoo parlors, and nail salons will be allowed to reopen for business this week. In this 1936 photo, women gather in front of Madam C.J. Walker's brownstone in Harlem, out of which she ran a beauty school and parlor. Walker's beauty products and services would make her the first female self-made millionaire in America.
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Hotel Pennsylvania
This is the manicure parlor in the Hotel Pennsylvania on 32nd street and 7th Avenue. Still operating today, Hotel Pennsylvania opened as a luxury hotel in 1919, known for offering a private bath in every room, and for its amenities like this salon. Nail salons are among the many personal care businesses allowed to reopen in Phase 3.
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Hunts Point Branch, NYPL
In Phase 3, public libraries will re-open using a grab-and-go service. Unlike in this photo, people will not be able to sit and read inside.
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Flushing Library
Children gathering for a lesson at the Flushing Branch library in Queens. Although this is one of the libraries opening in Phase 3, Public Programs across the city will continue to be on hold.
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