In an infinitely walkable city like ours, setting out in search of a few (or more) good books to read is just the right adventure for a spring day. And after this excursion, residents of the condos at One Manhattan Square in the Lower East Side can return to elegant open layouts with multiple spots for taking advantage of the natural “reading” light cascading through floor-to-ceiling windows. They could gaze at the views for hours, too, of course, but proximity to McNally Jackson and Housing Works Bookstore means that they can always keep an ambitious stack of books near to hand.
One Manhattan Square is in an enviable location for many reasons, and it does claim some interesting bragging rights when it comes to McNally Jackson. Two of this independent bookseller’s four NYC sites are located within close proximity of One Manhattan Square.
Whichever location is chosen, the destination is a worthy one. In a recent article comparing the merits of independent bookstores vs. chain stores and the ubiquitous Amazon, the New York Times rated independents as better advocates and springboards for new and lesser-known writers and small presses and publishers. It also stressed that independent bookstores have access to “’nearly any book anyone wants,’” not to mention “curated selections, with individual booksellers advocating for their favorite books.” As one independent bookseller explains, “’There’s really no algorithm equivalent to it.’” Helmed by Sarah McNally, an idiosyncratic Canadian transplant with bookselling in her heritage, McNally Jackson embodies the small-business virtues that help make every NYC neighborhood both distinctive and quintessentially of the city.
Just a few minutes away from the Nolita McNally Jackson, Housing Works Bookstore, at 26 Crosby Street, presents a thoroughly different book-buying experience. It’s part of the entrepreneurial arm of the nonprofit Housing Works, which runs thrift shops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Proceeds from donated new and used books support advocacy and direct service programs that “address the needs of tens of thousands of low-income New Yorkers each year.” The store itself is so lovely that it is often rented out for weddings and private events. In its usual guise of chic book shop, though, it encompasses a cafe (which is currently closed) and an eclectic selection of reading material. Like McNally Jackson, it has also served as a hub for lively literary events.
Manhattan Square’s outdoor amenities—including social courtyards, gardens, an adult treehouse, and the tea pavilion—provide additional spots for relaxing and enjoying that new book. If you’re not yet a resident, contact our sales team to find out how you can make one of our Downtown Manhattan condos part of your future.