Edge observation deck, the most anticipated public-facing component of the Hudson Yards megaproject, is finally open. Perched 1,131 feet above Tenth Avenue on the 100th floor of Kohn Pedersen Fox’s 30 Hudson Yards, Edge galvanizes the new mixed-use neighborhood with an attraction unlike any other in New York.
YIMBY got an early tour of the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, a cantilevering steel structure that protrudes nearly 80 feet outward from the sloped profile of the 1,296-foot-tall commercial office supertall. Rockwell Group designed the interiors that include Peak, a restaurant, bar, and event space operated by hospitality group RHC. Peak will open tomorrow and is accepting reservations. Related Companies and Oxford Properties Group are the developers of the skyscraper, which is the tallest in Hudson Yards and the third-tallest completed building in the city overall. L’Observatoire International designed the light show that will take place this evening and run through April, and also did the overall lighting of the Edge.
30 Hudson Yards and Edge, photo by Michael Young
30 Hudson Yards and Edge, photo by Michael Young
Edge. photo by Michael Young
Much like the redesigned visitor flow at the Empire State Building, Edge was designed to educate and entertain visitors while they wait for the elevators, making the queue process feel less like waiting in line. As they progress through the lower levels, guests pass through immersive audiovisual presentations that explain the process of creating a modern urban neighborhood from scratch. “This really a story about optimism and the future of cities,” said Melissa Hoffman, principal, studio leader of The LAB at Rockwell Group. “Along with the incredible views, we’re going to take you on an immersive experiential journey that celebrates the thrill of transformation.”
Once inside the elevator, it only takes 52 seconds to ascend to the top. On the ride up, the video-lined walls play an animation that begins with an architect’s sketch of the skyline and gradually becomes filled in and rendered as the car rises.
After arriving at the 100th floor, guests pass through an interior section before stepping outside onto the 7,500-square-foot outdoor platform that juts out to the East. On the northern end of the platform are granite bleachers and stairs where visitors can sit and take in the view to the south of the Hudson River, Lower Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. Towards the outermost corner of the platform is the 225-square-foot triangular glass opening that looks all the way down to the streets below. This will certainly be one of Edge’s most popular photo opportunities.
Looking from the top of the bleachers and staircase, photo by Michael Young
Looking west, photo by Michael Young
The glass opening, photo by Michael Young
The Empire State Building, photo by Michael Young
The glass opening in the floor of Edge, photo by Michael Young
Edge provides views in all directions, including north to the George Washington Bridge, Central Park, the supertalls of Billionaires’ Row; east to the beloved Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, and One Vanderbilt; and south to One World Trade Center and the Financial District, Downtown Brooklyn, Jersey City, and the Atlantic Ocean past the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
Midtown, photo by Michael Young
Billionaires’ Row, photo by Michael Young
Lower Manhattan, photo by Michael Young
Looking out toward the skyline from Peak. photo by Michael Young
The coveted corner table at Peak. Photo by Matt Pruznick
Looking down at 15 and 35 Hudson Yards from the indoor section of the Edge upon arriving at the top, photo by Michael Young
The Edge is made of 15 sections that were preassembled in Italy, each weighing between 35,000 and 100,000 pounds. The platform is lined with 3,000 square feet of nine-foot-high glass divided into 79 panels that weigh 1,200 pounds apiece. They were manufactured in Germany and finished in Italy, and were installed with a 6.6-degree outward tilt so people can get a better view down.
Edge officially opens to the public today at 1pm, with access located on the fourth floor of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
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One wonders how the window-cleaning cradle navigates the projection.
No mention of the cost to enter?
“It’s only when the tide goes out that you learn whose been swimming naked”
Warren Buffett
Monath: whose or who has? (what ever the quote is referring to)
OMG, NO THANK YOU!
These pics give me a queasy feeling. I can’t imagine stepping out on this thing with only sheets of glass for protection!
I can only guess it won’t take long before the first jumper goes over the side?!
On the other hand, the corner table might be the best way yet to start a diet, it would be difficult to keep your food down!
Hudson Yards is going to take a little getting used to for me. It’s daring and bold but it just doesn’t float my boat (yacht). Give me Rockefeller Center any day.
Way too scary for me! I’ll keep my feet on the ground!
Wonder if the building will move with the wind?
This is awesome. After decades of viewing Manhattan, and the iconic photos of it, from both the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, I’m looking forward to now seeing Manhattan from a new viewing perch, and the stunning photos that will come from it.
given that the city used $6 billion of public funds to help Build Hudson yards, . How many affordable apartments, affordable to normal people, are there in Hudson yards?
Hi how can I get any info on restaurants and if it costs any to get on the deck
We could pay for tickets? Or what?