Though Staple St. is a narrow street that runs for only 2 blocks (from Harrison to Duane Street), it is one the jewels of Tribeca.  I inadvertently came across Staple Street years ago one day as I made a wrong turn while walking.  This happenstance, to some degree, began to define my infatuation with the neighborhood.  TriBeCa has one of the most expensive zip codes in the U.S. (Forbes ranked it #12 in 2006).  Teeming with multi-million dollar condos and celebrities, and people of all stature ready to drop serious money just to be associated with this trendy locale, you can imagine my surprise when I wandered onto this tiny dilapidated passageway.

After walking through blocks full of fancy restaurants, converted warehouses and new developments, stumbling onto Staple Street was a breath of fresh air.  It brings a new meaning to the term “charming back alley” and instantly became my favorite spot in TriBeCa.  In the nighttime it does, however, look as if it was the exact spot where Bruce Wayne’s father was killed (prompting the young socialite to eventually dawn a cape and mask and become The Batman).

Actually… cutting through this desolate street after dark is kind of exhilarating.  I don’t recommend it but if you’re up for it, you’ll get to experience a slight thrill of danger (yet knowing the whole time that you won’t have to surrender your wallet… Come on!!!… it is TriBeCa after all!!!).   In the daytime, however, these 2 narrow blocks resonate a glimpse of what 19th century lower Manhattan might have looked like.   Photographer Chris Zedano was so moved by this nook of a street that he used it as a backdrop to one of his projects.  Take a look: http://www.staplestreetproject.com/

– N.C.