Visiting Hudson Yards New York
New York City’s newest neighborhood development is now open - Hudson Yards!
I am so excited that this newly developed area is just blocks away from our executive offices at the historic Starrett Lehigh Building. Yesterday, I attended the launch of this west side complex, and climbed up Vessel, a maze-like vertical structure and urban landmark right in the center of the plaza. Built over a 28-acre active rail yard, Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in the history of the United States. The site includes more than 18-million square feet of commercial and residential space, more than 100 shops and restaurants, a performing arts center called The Shed, 14-acres of open space and gardens, and spectacular views of the river and skyline. It is definitely a place to visit the next time you’re in Manhattan.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Here I am at Hudson Yards. This great new development is expected to draw 65-thousand visitors each day. The morning of the event was a little rainy, but the cloudy skies cleared just in time.
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- I was so excited to visit this structure right at the center of Hudson Yards. It is currently called Vessel and is made up of 154-staircases and 80-platforms, with a total number of 2500 individual stairs.
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- Thousands of people attended the opening ceremony.
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- Singer and songwriter, Andra Day, performed as attendees gathered in their seats.
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- Journalist, Anderson Cooper, hosted the inaugural ceremony, welcoming everyone to the site.
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- Senator Chuck Schumer also spoke and acknowledged all those who worked so hard on this project over the last 10-years.
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- Giant monitors were positioned on each side of the stage, so everyone could view the event’s live stream video.
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- Hudson Yards’ co-developer, Stephen Ross, said he was so proud of this structure, the new neighborhood, and what they will bring to the City of New York. Vessel is also a temporary name for the 150-foot-high, 200-million dollar construction — a final name is up for public input.
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- Thomas Heatherwick, the British designer who dreamed up Vessel, was also in attendance. Thomas is among Britain’s most distinguished designers. Some of his other projects include the Olympic Cauldron, the New Routemaster bus, and the UK pavilion at the Shanghai Expo in 2010.
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- Anderson then invited Big Bird to the stage.
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- Big Bird asked the development team to join him and hold the ceremonial rope.
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- Big Bird counted down and the rope was pulled setting off an explosion of confetti over the stage and audience.
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- Afterwards, Andra sang as the Alvin Ailey Dancers performed on stage. Visitors were then invited to walk up Vessel.
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- There is one elevator on the south side which can take visitors right to the top. Copper-colored metal wraps the soffits, reflecting those standing or walking in the plaza below.
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- Vessel’s flights and landings create a mile of walkways – a great place for exercise, or quiet contemplation, and of course, many photos.
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- This is the view from the bottom of Vessel looking up.
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- I stopped to take photos from one of the lower levels. Vistas of the Hudson River and parts of the New York skyline can be seen from all the landings.
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- Here is one view over the tents of the plaza with the Hudson River and New Jersey in the distance.
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- This is called The Shed – a performance hall whose retractable shell is the signature feature of the 200-thousand square-foot design by architect Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Rockwell Group. The pillowy exterior is made out of weatherproof ETFE panels, and slides from left to right.
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- While climbing Vessel, I bumped into Ali Wentworth, wife of television host and political advisor, George Stephanopoulos, and author and philanthropist, Jessica Seinfeld.
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- The Vessel is narrow at its base, then expands to reach 150-feet high and 150-feet wide. Its creators did not want to build it on too big a footprint.
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- Surrounding the plaza are manicured gardens, already beginning to bloom because of the warmer weather.
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- Inside, I saw my friend, Chef Jose Andres, who is spearheading a Spanish market at the site called Mercado Little Spain.
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- Inspired by the historic mercados of his home country, Jose created a space for socializing with family and friends, enjoying business lunches with colleagues, or a quick meal on the go. Mercado Little Spain is an all-day dining destination for anyone in the area.
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- These eateries were preparing for an afternoon opening – I can’t wait to bring my grandchildren here.
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- Final details were being completed during our walkthrough – I am so glad it’s just a short walk from my office. I will come here all the time!
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- And here I am with the dancers from Alvin Ailey. As some of you know, my granddaughter, Jude, loves studying dance, and to my left was one of Jude’s teachers. What a great morning at Hudson Yards. Please visit the next time you’re in New York City.
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