Writer Kurt Vonnegut memorably dubbed New York City the “National Park of Skyscrapers” back in the 1970s and he isn’t wrong. The city is densely packed with structures of all sizes, many of which are breathtakingly gorgeous. On the other hand, the city also contains a number of landmarks that many might not know about that aren’t as giant. These places, like Ellis Island or Metropolitan Life Tower, are just as deserving of a visit to New York City as any of the city’s famous landmarks.
Whether you are a local or visiting the Big Apple, there are a number of iconic places you should see, many you may spot while simply strolling the busy New York streets.
We’re going to help you out here with a list of some of the icons you want to check out while in the city that never sleeps. Maybe, there’s a few you never knew actually existed.
Building such marvels is a massive undertaking that takes a team of contractors to complete. At any time on a job site, there’s a chance there could be danger, especially for the workers. Sometimes, an injury or death can happen and this is when a construction accident lawyer NYC gets involved.
The Shed
The Shed is at the top of our list. It is an arts facility designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in conjunction with Rockwell Group, costing upwards of $450 million. It is around 200,000 square feet, with an exterior shell that rests on a pair of wheels attached to a track. When the shell is triggered, it travels away from the main part of the structure, thereby forming a new shape. This takes the horsepower of an engine equivalent to a Prius.
Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn opened in 1922 and is situated on the East River. Nearly 100 years later, it is a renowned tourist attraction. However, it got itself a substantial makeover and finally opened back up in 2011. The glass facade was created by architect Jean Nouvel.
Ellis Island
Opened way back in 1900, Ellis Island was, at one point, the entry point for millions of immigrants seeking a new start in America. In present day, the landmark is visited by millions of tourists and locals.
World Trade Center Transportation Hub
The World Trade Center Transportation Hub was designed by Santiago Calatrava and debuted in spring 2016. From its conception to completion, the project was difficult because of its symbolic significance, its complexity, and how many people it would need to handle. It houses more than 110 tenants and occupies over 350,000 square feet.
Queensboro Bridge
The Queensboro Bridge is usually forgotten as visitors usually opt for the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Debuting in 1909, the bridge is between Manhattan and Queens, but just as beautiful and a marvel to see. You may remember seeing it in notable films such as The Dark Knight Rises and The Great Gatsby.
Metropolitan Life Tower
The Metropolitan Life Tower was the tallest structure in the world when it was finally finished in 1909, though another building took that title in 1913. Find the building on the intersection of East 23rd Street and Madison Avenue.
Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is framed in steel and stands 22 stories. It was finished in 1902 and is famous for its wedge design, which was created by architect Daniel Burnham, fit well within the triangle plot in Manhattan. It is a beautiful sight to see.
