Middle Park West

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Middle Park West is a neighborhood in western Algonquin, Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto IV. It is bordered to the north by Quartz Street (Varsity Heights); to the east by Frankfort Avenue (Middle Park); to the south by Nickel Street (Purgatory); and to the west by the West River.

Character

Middle Park West is an affluent, heavily-developed neighborhood, bearing more in common with central Algonquin neighborhoods than those along the western Algonquin coast. The area features several townhouses and upscale high-rise apartments, much like Middle Park East on the other side of the park; however, much as with the inspirational neighborhoods in real life, residents in Middle Park West tend to be younger artists and cultural workers, whereas those in Middle Park West are older businessmen and women. This is reflected with the presence of a museum and performing arts center in Middle Park West.

The eastern border of the neighborhood features its towering, modern, luxury high-rises. Its central area is dominated by townhouses, whereas the part of the neighborhood along Ivy Drive South features its more historic upscale apartments. West of Ivy Drive South to the West River, Middle Park West is dominated by a public park, which is based on Riverside Park.

Places of interest

Middle Park West (and Varsity Heights, albeit to a slightly lesser extent) is noted for its ease of access to public parks. As already prior mentioned (and as reflected in the name), Middle Park West's main attraction is the namesake park which it lies adjacent to. Middle Park spans the entire length of the area (as well as neighboring Varsity Heights to the north) on its Frankfort Avenue border.

In addition to Middle Park, there is the aforementioned second park lying on the area's western corridor, fronting the West River. Union Drive West bisects the park; the main area, featuring a promenade along the river, lies to the west and spans from Nickel Street to about Silicon Street (which terminates at Ivy Drive South). The secondary area of the park occupies a narrow parcel of land between Union Drive West and Ivy Drive South; in it lies a replica of wp:Grant's Tomb. The two halves of the park are connected by a pedestrian overpass which is located at about Pyrite Street (which also terminates at Ivy Drive South).

Located elsewhere in the neighborhood is the Randolf Art Center, at the intersection of Galveston Avenue and Obsidian Street; it is the center for performing arts in the city and is located across the street from a performing arts school in neighboring Purgatory. Liberty State Natural History Museum is located on Frankfort Avenue between Pyrite and Quartz Streets.

Influence

Middle Park West is based on the Upper West Side, an upscale residential/commercial area in Manhattan.

Transportation

The Liberty City Subway serves Middle Park West at two stops. At the intersection of Obsidian Street and Frankfort Avenue is West Park; it is one of three stations directly serving Middle Park, the others being North Park and East Park. It is served at all times by the K/C Algonquin Line.

Quartz West is located at the intersection of Quartz Street and Ivy Drive South, st the neighborhood's border with Varsity Heights. Like West Park, this stop is also very popular with parkgoers as it poffers very convenient access to the waterfront park, situated just across the street.