Facebook Company Town: Under Construction

Facebook announced plans for a 394-unit residential development located just blocks from its Menlo Park headquarters.  Plans call for a $120 million, 630,000-square-foot complex that will include “everything from a sports bar, to a doggy day care.” (WSJ)  These development plans are not necessarily remarkable in size, but more so in a larger social context that dates back almost 100 years ago.

Company towns, which at one point numbered into the thousands, have been declining throughout the decades.  Lack on investment, economic shifts, and an inability to innovate and draw-in talent, are all facts that have led to the death of the company town.  Detroit serves as a perfect example when thinking about the death of a “company town.”  As auto-manufacturing declined, so did Detroit.  Unlike New York and Boston, cities have have been able to continually innovate and recreate themselves, Detroit and other company towns see their residents (and income) moving out.  From there the downward spiral until there the city is left as nothing more than a shell of its former self.

Facebook appears to be creating a company town of yesteryear with all of today’s modern conveniences.  Following Google’s “treat you too well to leave our company” philosophy as Facebook hopes to “lure coveted engineers with over-the-top perks and offices that resemble adult playground.” (WSJ)  I am suspicious as to how this town will end up turning out.  Will Facebook continue to adapt as society changes, and not only that, but will they continually update this growing town so that it is not rendered useless in a century like countless others?  Sadly, I think the answer is no, Facebook will not be able to adjust as time goes by, however, it will be interesting to see if Facebook brings rise to a new version of the company town.

9 Things That Have Changed Since the Last Government Shutdown

The United States government officially closed for first time in 16 years. Here are nine quick stats about what has changed since the last government shutdown of 1996.

1. The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline ranged between $1.20 – $1.47 in 1996. Compare that to today’s national average price of $3.39 per gallon. This represents an increase of roughly 260 percent.

2. In 1996, American support of marriage equality stood at 27 percent. At that time, no states allowed same-sex marriage. Today, support for marriage equality stands at over 53 percent (and is continuing to rise). In addition, gays and lesbians can now get married in 13 states and Washington D.C.

3. The population of the United States stood at 269.39 million in 1996 compared to over 314.39 million today.

4. The Latino population of the United States was 27 million in 1996. Today, the population of Latinos living the United States has more than doubled to nearly 60 million.

5. Nielsen’s highest rated TV shows of 1996-1997 were (from most popular): E.R, Seinfeld, Suddenly Susan, and a tie between Friends and The Naked Truth.

6. Only three of the most visited websites in the United States existed in 1996. The other seven websites: Google, Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo!, LinkedIn, Wikipedia, and Twitter, did not exist yet.

7. Mark Zuckerberg was 13 years old.

8. Apple’s stock ranged between $5.50 – $8.50 a share in 1996. Today the stock is valued at over $486.00 a share. That is more than a 6000 percent increase.

9. The “Macarena” led Billboard’s chart of the Top 100 Songs of 1996. The “Macarena” was followed by “One Sweet Day,” by Mariah Carey, “Because You Loved Me,” By Celine Dion (a personal favorite), “Nobody Knows” by Tony Rich Project, and “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey.

The East Village

For many young and first time renters, this New York neighborhood may be your best bet.  Located (roughly, as with almost all New York neighborhoods) from 14th street to Houston, and from the East River to Broadway, this plot of land has quickly moved its way up in terms of desirability. The neighborhood, which was once known for crime, drugs, and St. Marks celebrities like Madonna and Keith Harring, is gentrifying nicely and becoming a destination neighborhood.

Those looking to move here tend to be young, college educated (or in college thanks to neighboring NYU and The New School), socially active, and upwardly mobile.  Thanks in part of New York City’s Landmark and Preservation Society, many of the 6-story walk-up buildings cannot be torn down or redeveloped. but offer the charm and sophistication many new buildings cannot.  New York is a city of exceptions, but I would recommend this neighborhood to someone who is new to the city, younger, and socially active.  If you are looking for a quiet neighborhood, don’t move here.  AM New York, voted the East Village as the city’s loudest neighborhood.  That can be attributed to the plethora of bars, restaurants, and young people living in the area.

Here are a few things I recommend doing if you want to get a little more familiar with the neighborhood:

1.  Tompkins Square Park  (10th and Ave A) – This park has quickly become one of my favorite areas in the EV.  Bars and restaurants line the west side, while beautiful brownstones line the north side.  The park itself is home to huge elm trees (random, but beautiful), is a little less crowded than nearby Washington Square Park, and is a great place to people watch.

2.  Big Gay Ice Cream (7th b/t 1st and A) – A new addition to the neighborhood, New Yorkers from near and far flock to this small little shop throughout the entire year.  The name is as bold and delicious as the ice cream itself.  Be prepared to wait in line (it is worth it), especially on a hot summer’s day.

3.  Astor Place (St. Marks and Lafayette Street) – A more corporate-esque part of the East Village.  Nearby St. Marks is a gateway for amazing bars, restaurants, and people watching, while this part of the neighborhood is an epicenter for J.Crew, Facebook (coming soon) and a MASSIVE Starbucks.

4.  Yoga To The People (St. Marks b/t 3rd and 2nd) – Possibly one of the East Village’s (and New York’s) coolest assets.  This studio, located on St. Marks Street, “provides pay what you can” yoga classes.  Rich,, poor, young, old, all head to these hour long classes.  I recommend heading there at night for a candle lit class.

5.  Pomme Frites (2nd Avenue b/t 7th and 8th) – My favorite late night hot spot.  Like Big Gay Ice Cream, you will have to brave the crowds, but the wait is well worth it.  These hole in the wall restaurant tantalizes diners with a ton of different dipping sauces.  The fresh, made to order, french fries are served hot, fast, and ready to go.  Don’t hesitate to try a free sample to help make up your mind