Bhavna and I experienced seeing the panoramic views of Manhattan and Jersey City skylines from The Edge, a 100-floor iconic new skyscraper in the Hudson Yards that rises 345 metres (1,131 feet) high1 and dominates the skyline of Manhattan’s West Side.
Since New Jersey Transit runs a slower schedule on weekends, we drove in, braving the traffic into New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel. I found parking on W 31st Street. Looking skyward, we could see the building in the distance as we started walking.
The tall buildings in Manhattan often interfere with GPS signals. I got turned around somehow, ending up at the entrance to the Peloton Studios building on W 33rd Street. No worries. After a quick chat with a security guard, we walked around the block to the entrance to 30 Hudson Yards.
Hudson Yards is an area of Manhattan that has undergone a 400-year-long evolution from a wetland to the current residential and commercial neighbourhood for which it is known. Hudson Yards was first referred to as a “Slaughterhouse” because of the many slaughterhouses built along the Hudson River waterfront in the 18th century. The area became known as “Hudson Yards” after Isaac Moses purchased the land in 1810 to create the Hudson River Railroad. The railroad allowed for improved transportation of goods to the docks and ferry terminals in the area. In the early 20th century, the rail yards declined in use, and the area became known for its warehouses and manufacturing plants. The neighbourhood was gentrified in the late 20th century, transforming old rail lines into High Line Park, a popular destination for residents and tourists alike.
Our entry to the building took us through a multilevel indoor mall, which to me felt similar to the Mall at Short Hills or Bridgewater Commons. Bhavna and I entered an elevator on the third floor that took us to another floor, where we passed through security. They directed us through a hallway with LCD signs that explained the history of the building with future expansion plans. We entered another elevator, which zipped us up to the Sky Deck, a glass-enclosed observation area.
We were immediately stunned by the awe-inspiring view from the outdoor observation deck. We could see north toward The Bronx, east toward Brooklyn and Queens, and southwest toward Jersey City and Hoboken. The glass leans out slightly, allowing visitors to lean out and look down on the city streets below. The glass walls and glass floor of the skyscraper offer stunning views of the cityscape below.
I’m not good with heights, so I hesitated to go near “the edge” and the glass floor. But I overcame my issues to document Bhava doing what my mind would not let me do.
I struggled to take a selfie with the Fuji X-T3, but luckily we met a brother and sister visiting The Edge for the first time. They asked me to take their photograph and then offered to take our photograph in return.
The Edge has 102 floors, various office spaces, luxury residences, and retail stores. It boasts an expansive lobby, a fitness centre and spa, and two restaurants with terrace seating. The building is home to many world-class amenities, including a luxury hotel, high-end retail stores, and state-of-the-art event space.
In addition to its incredible height, Edge at Hudson Yards stands out for its The Edge Climber, an interactive art installation that takes visitors up the building’s exterior. This climbable structure is made of aluminium and stainless steel. Bhavna later decided she wanted to try it for the dare, but the tickets were already sold out. Next time, perhaps.
We spent almost three hours at The Edge, leaving just as the sun set over Jersey City. I have finally completed visiting all three significant attractions at Hudson Yards. The High Line park was my first and most frequently visited attraction, and I walked to the top of The Vessel art piece for the first time last summer.
- The Empire State Building is 443 metres (1,454 feet). ?
