Before Gentrification: LES in the 90s

Recently, photographer Steve Butcher and Gothamist shared some vintage photos that he took of New York City in the 90s. (And yes, as odd as that sounds, the 90s are now considered "vintage.")

Butcher first moved to New York in 1981. He says he first lived "on the sofa in a basement apartment behind the boiler room on St. Mark's."

A year later, in 1982, he moved to Ludlow Street off Houston Street, where he still currently resides.

He claims "taxis didn't know where Ludlow was and when they got here, they'd stop at Katz's, but would not drive down. Hard to believe now!"

We couldn't agree more. The Lower East Side has gone through tremendous changes since Butcher moved there in the early 80's, and he's not all that thrilled about it.

"Without sounding curmudgeonly, in the last 10 years, all the historical character and what made the Lower East Side the Lower East Side has been gutted— it’s so sad. Handed over to developers and a transient population comprised of students and tourists. It feels more like a campus than anything else," Butcher said.

He believes the diversity that existed in the area is missing today. He's nostalgic for the old Lower East Side, describing it as once an artistic, exciting area.

Take a look at Butcher's photos below from the LES in the 90's-- a different LES than we know-- and one that he still longs for today.

(P.S., did you know spoiled NYC & Tablelist are throwing The Dopest TBT Ever, an after-work 90s throwback party at Hudson Terrace on Thursday, September 17th-- with a one-hour open bar?!

Get your free RSVP right here.)