lunch crowd

What is social? It’s a question often asked in the context of social media. Someone said it is simply a desire to be seen. A lunchtime trip to 875 Third Avenue (open to the public), presented only a fraction of the content I was seeing at this location.

The view from my table was my first clue. I could see a social interaction.

I descended from the escalator.

I could see a local artist whose painting was hanging in the lobby.

A sign posted next to the painting inviting the viewer to connect with the artist.

As I approached the signage (and upon further examination), I realized the description of the painting was more geopolitical than local.

An almost perfect perspective from both the upper and lower floors was visible.

A basement level floor led directly to the subway which featured the new OMNY card readers.

Local art gallery and monitor in building seating area. The gallery doors were locked.

I spoke with a security guard on duty on the lower level. I asked him if anything serious or dramatic ever happened while he was working. He said no.

I told him it looked like a standard lunch crowd. He agreed.

Upon exiting there was an immersive yet intimidating ad campaign from Amazon Prime.

The ad implied that the subway platform was a crime scene. The 53rd Street station had a number of overcrowdng and safety concerns reported since 2020.

The stairway led to Third Avenue.

In Manhattan, Monica Moran reporting. 3/6/2026.