Above the Street: The Hidden History of New York’s Fire Escapes

Look up and discover the hidden history behind New York City’s iconic fire escapes on this fascinating walking tour through the Lower East Side, Little Italy, SoHo and Greenwich Village.

Hear fascinating stories of immigrant families, tenement life, volunteer firefighters, daring rescues, industrial workers, artists and the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that changed New York forever.

Step into the hidden history behind one of New York City’s most recognizable architectural features: the fire escape.

Beginning at 97 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, this two-hour walking tour explores how overcrowded tenements, immigration and devastating fires shaped New York City’s buildings and safety laws.

From the Lower East Side, the tour continues through the Bowery, the Five Points area, Little Italy, SoHo and Greenwich Village. Along the way, discover the history of volunteer firefighters, dramatic rescues, immigrant neighborhood life and the industrial buildings of “Hell’s Hundred Acres.”

The tour concludes at the Brown Building in Greenwich Village, the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, where guests learn how the tragedy influenced changes to workplace and fire-safety regulations.

1.97 Orchard Street, Lower East Side

Discover the origins of tenement housing and the development of New York’s early fire-escape laws.

2. Bowery and Grand Street

Learn about the rival volunteer firefighters who fought fires and sometimes each other across nineteenth-century New York.

3. Mulberry Bend, Five Points Area

Explore the crowded tenements, dangerous fires and dramatic rescues that shaped this historic neighborhood.

4. Mulberry Street, Little Italy

Discover how fire escapes became part of everyday neighborhood life, serving as balconies, gathering places and more.

5. Crosby and Greene Streets, SoHo

Learn about the industrial neighborhood once known as “Hell’s Hundred Acres.”

6. Wooster Street and West Houston Street, SoHo

Discover how fire, artists and changing loft regulations helped transform SoHo.

7. The Brown Building, Greenwich Village

Visit the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and learn about the tragedy and ist impact on New York’s safety laws.

• This is a walking tour lasting approximately two hours.
• The tour takes place outdoors.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring water and dress appropriately for the weather.
• The tour operates in most weather conditions.
• Food, drinks, transportation and museum admission are not included.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Gratuities are not included.
• The tour requires a minimum of 3 guests and accommodates up to 20 guests.