New York’s $200M Architecture Vanishes in Just 24 Months

① New York’s Attraction That Made Headlines

New York is undoubtedly one of the most dazzling cities in the world. Strolling through its streets, you’ll encounter an overwhelming array of attractions. From Central Park to the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center Observation Deck, Times Square, and more, New York offers visitors a diverse range of experiences.

Among them was a prominent attraction that cost a staggering $200 million to build but mysteriously closed its doors for good after just two years. That attraction was none other than the Hudson Yards Vessel.

In March 2019, it garnered significant attention as a new tourist hotspot in New York. The Vessel, also known as the “Hudson Yards Staircase,” allowed visitors to capture a panoramic view of the Hudson River and enjoy various aspects of New York City.

It quickly became a must-see attraction upon opening, with reservations fully booked for over three months. It gained popularity among tourists and locals, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.

The Vessel was part of the Hudson Yards redevelopment project in Manhattan, New York City. Designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, it featured an intricate honeycomb-like structure consisting solely of stairs with an elliptical shape.

Comprising 154 flights of stairs and over 2,500 steps, it reached a height of 15 stories or 45 meters. Serving as both a sculpture and a building, the Vessel contributed to the city’s skyline and earned the nickname “New York’s Eiffel Tower.”

Although visitors could once ascend the Vessel by walking up its 154 different staircases, it was no longer possible. The reason behind this change was a series of tragic incidents that occurred at the Vessel.

② $200M to Build, But Closed in 2 Years

Tragically, the Vessel witnessed four suicides. From February 2020 to January 2021, three individuals drastically chose to end their lives there.

Before its official opening in February 2019, a 19-year-old man took his life at the Vessel. By the end of the same year, a 24-year-old woman and, in January 2021, a 21-year-old man also made similarly tragic choices while at the attraction. In July 2021, a 14-year-old boy who had been at the Vessel with his family jumped from the eighth floor.

In response to these incidents, concerns were raised about both the aesthetics and safety of the building. While the Vessel had handrails, they were not high enough to prevent such incidents, considering the Vessel’s height.

Critics contended that while it was an architectural marvel, the lack of adequate safety measures made it unfit for public use. Even though it was a stunning piece of architecture, safety concerns overshadowed its appeal.

To address these issues, the Vessel’s operators tripled the number of on-site security personnel and introduced a policy prohibiting single-person entry. They also discontinued free admission and began charging $10 per ticket, reallocating these funds towards suicide prevention programs for their security staff.

However, just two months after reopening, another fatal incident occurred, leading to a temporary closure. Following an internal investigation into the incident, the Vessel’s operators closed it indefinitely.

Stephen Ross, Chairman of Related Companies, the attraction’s operator, expressed his deep regret, stating, “We did everything we thought was possible to avoid this tragedy.”

Once hailed as a top tourist destination in New York, the Vessel’s operations have been permanently suspended within two years.

③ What about other attractions in New York?

Apart from the Vessel, there have been safety concerns at other New York landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. However, these sites have strengthened their safety measures, including installing polycarbonate railings over two meters high at the New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room. These actions reflect a commitment to preventing accidents and prioritizing visitor safety.

As for the Vessel, questions linger about whether it can be reopened successfully with enhanced safety measures. Its fate remains uncertain, and it focuses on whether adequate safety measures can be implemented without compromising its artistic integrity.

By. Kim Min-jae (minjaaie33@mememedia.co.kr)