Join us for an immersive walking tour through Union Square and Madison Square Parks as we uncover how New York’s iconic 1811 Commissioners’ Plan created the city’s famous grid—and why it was developed to bring order to a rapidly growing metropolis. You’ll also discover why these neighborhoods break the mold with their quirky angles and irregular blocks.

Along the way, we’ll see how public spaces like Union Square and Madison Square were intentionally carved into the city’s fabric, offering New Yorkers vital gathering places amidst the grid. We’ll trace how architecture and urban design evolved from the early 19th century through today, revealing the logic (and the surprising exceptions) behind Manhattan’s unique layout.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about how New York came to look the way it does, this tour offers a fresh perspective on the city’s design, history, and hidden stories.

Our guide, William Singer, AIA, is a Code and Zoning Specialist for The City of New York Department of Buildings Development and Technical Affairs. He is an expert in the design and construction of large-scale public facilities. His major projects have included justice centers, transportation hubs, and cultural centers. Before joining the Department of Buildings he was a partner at Gruzen Samton, a NYC & Virginia-based architecture, planning, interior design and systems engineering firm. A Fulbright fellow (Slovenia, 1993-94), he holds a Master of Architecture degree from the School of Design at North Carolina State University, as well as a Master of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2004, Singer received a City of New York Arts Commission Excellence in Design for the renovation design of El Museo Del Barrio.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Manhattan from a fresh historical perspective! Thanks to William’s generous sponsorship, the first five students to register will receive a FREE ticket — so sign up fast! Sponsored tickets are limited to one per order.