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What Is Hudson Yards?
By Sebastian Jimenez, Reporter
The most transformed area in all of New York City, Hudson Yards, houses the High Line, modern avant-garde architecture, and overlooks the west side. However, it wasn't always a popular tourist spot, and its evolution contains an unexpectedly eventful and complex 400-year history. So, how did Hudson Yards go from dull to the most advanced area of NY?
Early History:
Hudson Yards sits alongside the waterfront at West 34th St., but it wasn't always home to a high-rise skyline. Hudson Yards is aptly named for its history as a rail yard for NY's first railroads in the 19th century. Previous instances of oncoming trains colliding with pedestrians also earned it the nickname "Death Avenue." The acquisition and monopolization of the railroads by Cornelius Vanderbilt built his wealth and fortune, but soon later, ferry companies killed the railroad monopoly in the early 20th century.
Dock Harbor:
The rail slowly fell out of preference as the ferry grew to prominence, and cars could now be transported between land by ferry. It became an efficient method of transport, shifting Hudson Yards into a harbor. Hudson Yards presently contains a harbor with several boats docked alongside it. Many cruise ships and boating companies can be found as well.
Renovating Period:
The long strip of highway on the West Side Highway mobilized New York and ended private rail travel as railroad companies were fading. The railyard completely faded as it was pushed underground through tunnels far from public view. But, the complete revolution of Hudson Yards began with a 4 part $3.7 billion reinvigoration vision.
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The first new subway stop in 25 years, 34-StHudson Yards, was the first phase of the project. It extended the 7 train and a follow up station was planned to be added at Tenth Avenue and 41 St, but that project fell through.
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Many offices were rezoned to Hudson Yards as it was the only remaining area in Manhattan that could house many offices and as present day shows, exciting office spaces with bold architecture call Hudson Yards home.
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Hudson Yards is also an extension of Javits Center as it increases its size by 1.2 million square feet. The third phase of the renovation program was finished off by Andrew Cuomo.
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The addition of the West Side Stadium was planned to be built for the New York Jets and for the Olympics. This 85,000 seat stadium became the pride of NYC strategy but the project fell through as it had intense opposition and it could have been a blessing in disguise as the West Side transformed on the back of having more innovations in 10 years rather than the 50 it would’ve taken to build the stadium.
The project of Hudson Yards has been a rollercoaster, but it has come a long way since at one point being called “Death Avenue” and now it boasts some of the most beautiful views and buildings.