Fire escapes in New York City, February 2017
The first rules for fire safety in domestic buildings in New York were introduced in the 1860s, requiring some form of additional exit on buildings that housed more than eight families above the first floor.
The rule was substantially updated in 1901, defining the size of the balcony and the angle and material of the stairs. It also mandated the positioning of the escape on the front of the house, bringing us the distinctive balconies and stairs that are now classic New York.
A rule change in 1968, though, actually banned the construction of external fire escapes on almost all new buildings, so the ones we see these days are now a part of history.
How would Tony have wooed Maria, if West Side Story had been set after that rule change?
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 20 December 2018
Posted as part of #timesquare
Travel with Intent 
My immediate thought was the cover for the Zeppelin album, Physical Graffiti.
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Oh yes, remarkably similar – I didn’t know this cover so thanks for pointing it out.
A link for anyone else who wants to verify the likeness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Graffiti
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I love the external fore escapes that you see in the US. They make for wonderful geometric photos.
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It would make a great project in fact. Idea stored – thanks Jude
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FIRE ****
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Great captures of the unmistakable buildings of NY!
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What part of NYC, Debbie?
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I hadn’t put that in the post because I was feeling lazy! But a quick check, and the first one (red and blue) was in Manhattan, the other two are in Brooklyn
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Thanks!
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was about to say this must be NYC as nothing says this city more than the fire escapes, and fascinating they actually set out requirements on them. West Side Story though would never have been the same!
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You were over fast, Becky! I was over at yours enjoying a quick slug!
And I now have a working link to a West Side Story clip 🙂
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ooh I’ll come back for that 🙂
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Fantastic . . . .have it playing now as I type this 🙂
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