10 Legendary NYC Skate Spots That No Longer Exist

Image via Complex Original

Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Status: Destroyed due to ledge being removed and construction.
R.I.P.: 2011

Greenpoint used to have more than a few great skate spots along the water, but construction has ruined many of them. One of the best spots to get demolished was the Wythe Street Ledge, which—as Quartersnacks points out—you could skate forever without being bothered by anyone. 

Neighborhood: East Village
Status: Skate-stopped with spiked metal bars.
R.I.P.: 2010

Cooper Union's concrete banks not only looked like they were built for skating, but provided an iconic architectural flourish to the building. Unfortunately the addition of metal bars have rendered the impossible so skate. At least it still looks cool. 

Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Status: Mini ramp removed when shop moved.
R.I.P.: 2013

Aside from being one of the best skate shops in Brooklyn, KCDC's old incarnation also housed a great little mini ramp. Unfortunately when the shop moved, the owners couldn't take the ramp with them. Back in 2013 it was put up for sale. 

Neighborhood: Morningside 
Status: Hubba destroyed due to addition of handrail.
R.I.P.: 2011

City College was known for its relatively low ledge alongside its massive 13-stair. Unfortunately the city decided to slap a pointless handrail to the top of it, rendering the spot virtually un-skateable. So it goes. 

Neighborhood: Financial District
Status: Destroyed due to construction.
R.I.P.: 2012

The stairs and rail at Chase in the Financial District were some of the most iconic in Lower Manhattan. When the bank remodeled, however, the stairs were redesigned as well. Thankfully the Financial District still has plenty of great spots to search out. 

Neighborhood: Midtown
Status: Destroyed.
R.I.P.: 2013

The Bubble Banks were strange mounds positioned on the sides of an office building at 46th St. and 3rd Ave. Unfortunately, after a remodel the banks are no more, though we can still look fondly back at images like this and reminisce about the good old days.  

Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Status: Torn down.
R.I.P.: 2010

The 2,200 Autumn Bowl was one of the best indoor skatespots in New York during its time, but high rents eventually forced its closing back in 2010. Thought the spot may be gone, stories about its legendary parties and late-night skate sessions will live on forever. 

Neighborhood: Midtown
Status: Destroyed due to building construction.
R.I.P.: 2014

The ledges in front of Wachovia and Wells Fargo on 49th Street were some of the most famed in the city, if only because they existed for so long. A remodel of the building this year has now destroyed them, removing one of the last old-school spots to skate in Midtown. 

Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Status: Destroyed by addition of rails.
R.I.P.: 2011

The Washington Mutual parking lot in Williamsburg used to house two banks, making for a perfect little gap. Unfortunately, too many skaters started hitting-up the spot and rails were installed over the transitions. 

Neighborhood: Chinatwon
Status: Destroyed due to bridge renovations. Resurrected 2014.
R.I.P.: 2004; Re-opened 2014

Not all skate spots die forever. Brooklyn Banks was tragically destroyed back in 2004, after generations of skaters made it one of the most well-known spots on the East Coast. Due the overwhelming outcry from skaters, however, the spot was reopened in 2014 as an official city skate park. Maybe there is justice in the world after all.