Report written by: Richard Roy, Director Of Franchise Ops. Pictures By: Richard Roy and GBNJ CEO, Bill Malkin
We come up Central Park West (the same way the guys did when they pulled up to Dana's apartment building) Unfortunately I was in the left lane and had to turn into the park, taking us more time to live our childhood dreams and find a place to park. Finally we're back where we needed to be and turn to park. But we can't because of some "emergency parking." Sure, if it was 1984 we'd understand that. Pretty close to 550 Central Park West is a paid, underground parking garage. With no other choice and wanting to continue on with the big gathering, we pull into the garage, leave Ecto C, and walk out. We go around the corner and there it is!
What were you expecting to see? Oh. This is the actual church The Travellor (Mr. Stay Puft) stepped on. We were happy to see the roof and beauty of this church was fully restored. If you weren't aware, like in the movie, this church is right next to 550 Central Park West.
We walk towards 550 Central Park West and take in the scope of where we are and what happened here. We were also impressed that the 22nd floor was repaired as was the roof. No more temple though, good thing huh? Though I do kinda miss those terror dog statues.
We walk towards the doors and see these two doormen. I figured when people bring a bear to their apartment, it takes 2 now to get it under control. These older guys probably see fans like us often. They knew exactly why we were there. Using some door men signals they made comments and it was easy to see they were laughing. What did we care, if it wasn't for the ghostbusters, these two wouldn't be working here. Plus we were living history. We did notice one thing before going inside. The 0 is no longer there. Maybe the superintendent was really pissed and just couldn't be bothered to readd the the final number all those years ago. Its not like the tenants won't still get there mail.
After informing these doormen of who we were and why we were there, they showed us the proper respect we deserved and held the doors open as the four of us entered. "Art deco, very nice." We didn't bother going up to the 22nd floor, no sense in disturbing the residences if we didn't need to...that day.
From 55 Central Park West, we walked up to Lincoln Center. Stopping at a street vendor along the way, the 4 of us replenished our thirst with Cokes. BTW Coca Cola®, a usual huge sponsor couldn't just give us more Coke for the day because they said we used our quota for the next few months. Like its our fault it tastes so good. By the time we reached the Lincoln Center we see in Ghostbusters, those Cokes were done. We go to the fountain area and what do we see? Nothing like the events of 20 years ago. Some Russian Music Festival was going on. It was disappointing in a sense because some of us wanted to pay homage to Dr. Venkman and turn around in a circle with our arms out. I know I would have, except with that many people there, these tents set up, and the fountain turned off, I couldn't do it. In the Fall, I have too.
The one who showed no fear (after all we are Ghostbusters) was Dr. Ketchum. Look at Will go! Not long after Will spun around and we applauded him (we did, didn't we?) the Russian Music Festival began.
Making a discrete exit, we walked backed towards 55 Central Park West. This time we crossed the street to go into Central Park. We looked over the wall where Louis, scared out of his mind had jumped the wall and ran into Central Park.
We took the safer approach and walked down Central Park West to where there is a Tavern on The Green Sign. No, these are not nutballs from off the street. =p We walked through the park and as we came upon Tavern on the green, there was a pretty long line. Doesn't this place have reservations? I figured the food can't be that good. Plus who would bar our way? Turns out it was only NBC having a casting call. We avoided the lines and gave them our cards.
Walking around Tavern, back through the park we came upon this horse which pulls a carriage. Will used his PKE to make sure he wasn't the gatekeeper. "Wait for the sign, then our prisoners will be released!"
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