Constantly evolving, New York City continues to impress and inspire dreams. Located between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, the new trendy and elegant neighborhood is born in 2019. This neighborhood is the largest private real estate project ever seen in the United States, and was built on railroad tracks still in operation. It includes residential areas, offices, a shopping center, a hotel, a cultural center and a green space. The project will have cost 30 billion dollars in total and thus makes Hudson Yards the most expensive neighborhood in Manhattan.
This new district rests on two giant concrete slabs which overhang the rails for 6 kilometres. An incredibly efficient and innovative heat management system had to be devised to deal with technical and engineering problems during construction, combining coolants, fans and rainwater harvesting.
Hudson Yards wants to be more chic, more dynamic, more modern… But above all more expensive! This district, intended for a high-end clientele, even billionaires, leaves little room for diversity and disadvantaged people. If you want to buy an apartment, it will take an average of $5,102,000. The neighborhood has been dubbed a “billionaire’s playground.” It widens the inequalities in the districts of the Big Apple and between the populations of the surrounding districts. Large companies settle there such as WarnerMedia, and L’Oréal USA and make it possible to recruit 55,000 employees.
The Edge
This is New York’s 4th observatory where the glass platform and sloping windows allow you to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, as well as the Hudson River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The outdoor platform is on the 100th floor and it is possible to see what is happening 345 meters below our feet. The skyscraper changed the face of Manhattan.
The Vessel
This honeycomb-shaped structure rises 46 meters in height and is the focal point of Hudson Yards and is its symbol. It is a 16-storey observatory made up of 154 staircases, 2,500 steps and 80 landings. The objective is to see the different optical and symmetry effects, the viewpoints of the city from different heights. One of the most instagrammable places! The Vessel is temporarily closed for security reasons.
The Shops
The 7-story mall is home to over 100 luxury boutiques and restaurants. Entrance to The Edge is on the 4th floor. Here you will find French brands such as Dior, Cartier, Crémieux, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vilebrequin. You will also find gourmet restaurants serving contemporary cuisine from several countries around the world.
Little Spain Market
This gastronomic space is located just opposite The Shops and is dedicated to traditional Spanish cuisine by chef Jose Andres in collaboration with the brothers Ferran and Albert Adria. Here you will find Spanish restaurants and a market with typical products. The kitchen is crazy, if you like tapas and very tasty dishes. The place is full of charm and you will feel like in Spain. A little gem!
The Shed
It is a unique place showcasing culture, music, dance, painting and art. This cultural center offers exhibitions, artistic performances, shows or films. A part is removable and can be adjusted according to need. This is also the case for rooms that can be modified. The visual arts center is spread over 16000 m2, the museum space is 2300 m2, and the exhibition space is 3700 m2. On the 2nd and 4th floor are the exhibition halls, and the 6th floor houses the Griffin Theatre. The program is dedicated to concerts and exhibitions. The Shed program can be found on the official website. Most exhibits are free, but some cost ten dollars.
The High Line
This suspended park was built on an old railway line that runs through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. It is 2.3 km long. The walk is extremely pleasant, as you can enjoy an aerial view of the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the stunning and modern architecture of the city. Access is free and there are several entry and exit points.
Baryshnikov Arts Center
Mikhail Baryshnikov opened the center in 2005. It is a foundation and arts complex with three floors offering dance performances, a theatre, cinema, visual arts and music space. The Orchestra of the DiMenna Classical Music Center of the Orchestra of St. Luke is located in the same building. LAC provides artists with support to represent their work and encourages collaborations and multimedia events.
Javits Center
This conference center was built in 1986. Architects James Ingo Fred and Leoh Ming Pei are considered geniuses of their time because of their revolutionary and innovative work. Its total space is 310,000 m2 and is one of the busiest centers in the United States. It is operated and maintained by the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation. In 2006, work was started to enlarge the size of the center by 45%, with the construction of a hotel.
