We’re posting this on behalf of one of our readers who is wondering what happened to their view. The tenant lives at 27 West 89th Street, and their rear-facing bedroom window faces north onto a courtyard.
“For the last 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of this view from my bedroom window.
“The trumpet vine wall blooms each summer on the wall of the building I look onto through the courtyard facing West 90th Street. I look forward to this view every summer, after every long winter, particularly this past one for us die hards who have sheltered in place since March. To add to the beauty of this experience, the birds have made a home in the courtyard and waking to their song each morning is a blessed feeling.
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“A great sadness swept over me, as well as a feeling of guilt, for having been the recipient of this gift for so long. I don’t know the owners or tenants of the building, but would like to know why it was removed, and why now, when the vine is in full bloom, leaving such a stark vision in its wake. Building damage? New owner? Renovation?
“Even though my view is gone, my appreciation for the last 30 years will live on.”
Our reader is unsure of the building number on 90th Street. If anybody knows why the vines were removed, feel free to leave a comment below!
This is so sad. That gorgeous view gone. I hope someone can say what happened there.
Water damage
I’m guessing water damage as well, or structural issues. Sadly, clinging vines are destructive in the long run for masonry. They do need to be cleared periodically. THe tenant who enjoyed this view for so long was very lucky indeed. I’ve seen many buildings cleared of vines for masonry work, with the vines to reappear within a year of two. Check out the three townhomes along 81st between Amsterdam and Columbus, a good example. And if it was water damage, that can destroy a structure from the inside out and needs to be addressed. Hopefully the building owner will get that wall power washed, fixed and cleaned up so the view is at least not derelict.
So sorry. That was a great view.
A friend of mine in the Village had a perfectly centered north-looking view of the Empire State Building. Then, ah, development: she watched aghast as a tall condo tower rose floor by floor until the ESB was completely obscured. Sad tales of the city!
From list of poisonous plants-“The beautiful angel’s trumpet with its large, fragrant flowers is one of the most toxic garden plants. It’s notorious for its hallucinogenic powers, but can also cause migraines, constipation, muscle paralysis, eye problems, tremors and death.”
Beside the structural issues, perhaps the owners have small children and pets and plan to use the backyard.
Angel’s Trumpet, Brugmansia spp., is a flowering shrub which is indeed poisonous to humans and animals alike.
However, the lovely plant whose loss is mourned by the reader above is Trumpet Vine, Campsis radicans, and is not at all poisonous. It’s native to the Northeast and has quite the opposite characteristic in that it serves as a food source for hummingbirds and pollinators.
They tore all the plants from the other side of that building also…
I am looking for this one. Thank’s to share…myle tropical mango
Also, it’s a pretty invasive species, and reproduces very quickly, so not too sad.
typical preparation prior to a paint job. happened to me too, except the vine actually bridged the two buildings and encircled my window. it was wondrous!
I think this is my building on 90th St. My apartment on the bottom suffered a great amount of water damage and mold growing inside the wall. We also have an ant problem and centipedes. My kids have asthma so the mold was a huge issue for us!!!
In addition, two other apartments are experiencing water damage. Vines are horrible for a building. It has cost all of us a lot of money to get them off because neighbors allow them to grow on our property. They are only pretty to those who do not suffer damage to their property.
Perhaps the owner will allow an artist to do a mural?
That would be nice. Great idea.
Graffiti would look best on that wall
You have already made art out of a loss, with this story.