Viewing NYC Articles by Matt Coneybeare

[WATCH] Remaking NYC's Grand Central Terminal

2026-06-14T12:00:00-04:00

The video offers a comprehensive tour and historical overview of Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, chronicling its evolution from its early beginnings in the 19th century to its modern-day status as a bustling transportation hub. Led by Nathaniel Rogers of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, the tour explains how the terminal, initially conceived by Cornelius Vanderbilt, underwent three major constructions. The most significant iteration, the current Grand Central Terminal, was built after a tragic train wreck in 1902 necessitated electrification and underground tracks, enabling the development of "Terminal City" above. The video details the terminal's decline post-WWII due to the rise of cars and planes, and its near-demolition in the 1960s, which sparked a landmark preservation battle led by figures like Jackie Kennedy Onassis, culminating in a 1978 Supreme Court decision that upheld its landmark status. Beyer Blinder Belle spearheaded a 12-year restoration from 1988 to 2000, bringing the terminal back to its former glory. The video also highlights various architectural features, including the Tennessee Pink and Botticino marble, the famous celestial ceiling with its "backwards" constellations, the Guastavino vaults, and the recently completed East Side Access project. Testimonials from long-time employees like Rita Seaton and Melvin Johnson recall the terminal's dilapidated state before its renovation, emphasizing the transformative impact of the preservation efforts.

The post [WATCH] Remaking NYC's Grand Central Terminal appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Why a Pizzeria Is Making NYC’s Most Popular Chicken Sandwich

2026-06-13T12:00:00-04:00

Frank Tuttolomondo, owner of Mama's Too, takes viewers behind the scenes to show how their popular chicken alla vodka sandwich is made. The process involves crafting scratch-made semolina hero rolls, preparing juicy fried chicken cutlets, simmering a rich vodka sauce, and blending fresh pesto. This detailed look demonstrates why Mama's Too in the West Village is known for one of New York City's best and most craved chicken sandwiches.

The post [VIDEO] Why a Pizzeria Is Making NYC’s Most Popular Chicken Sandwich appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] Should the Subways be Extended to Staten Island?

2026-06-12T12:00:00-04:00

The video explores the feasibility and a multi-stage plan for extending the New York City Subway to Staten Island. The presenter argues that current conditions don't justify immediate rail expansion due to low ridership compared to other NYC boroughs and New Jersey. However, by implementing "Stage 0" with upzoning near existing Staten Island Railway stations and introducing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes (S1, S2, S3), the island's density and transit ridership could increase significantly.
Stage 1 proposes extending the R train from Brooklyn to Grasmere, with a new yard at Lily Pond Avenue. Stage 2 outlines an elevated rapid transit line along Forest Avenue, connecting St. George to the Matrix Global Logistics Park, passing through key employment centers and areas ripe for housing development. Stage 3 introduces a Trans-Harbor Tube from St. George directly to Manhattan, connecting to Grand Central Terminal and offering through-running services with Metro-North Railroad. This stage would also require upgrading the Staten Island Railway to Metro-North standards and implementing Omni fare payment.
Finally, Stage 4 focuses on connecting Staten Island's Richmond Avenue Elevated to New Jersey via the Bayonne Bridge, linking with an upgraded PATH system (converting the Bayonne portion of Hudson–Bergen Light Rail to heavy rail) and extending it north into Bergenline and Anderson Avenues. This ambitious plan aims to transform Staten Island into a denser, transit-rich borough with strong connections across the region, boosting its population to over a million and enabling more efficient reverse commuting.

The post [WATCH] Should the Subways be Extended to Staten Island? appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] First Underwater Vehicle Tunnel Changes The World

2026-06-11T12:00:00-04:00

The video explores the fascinating story of the Holland Tunnel, the world's first underwater tunnel built specifically for automobile traffic, connecting Lower Manhattan in New York City with Jersey City in New Jersey. Opened in 1927, it presented unprecedented engineering challenges, particularly how to ensure adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from thousands of idling cars. Engineers like Clifford Holland, Milton Freeman, and Ole Singstad spearheaded innovative transverse ventilation systems and even human exposure testing at Yale University to solve these problems, setting a blueprint for future underwater tunnels. However, the ambitious project came at a significant human cost, with both Holland and Freeman succumbing to the immense pressures and dangers of the construction, earning the tunnel a grim nickname. Despite these tragedies, the Holland Tunnel endures as a vital, "living industrial machine" that continues to adapt and operate nearly a century later, moving millions of vehicles annually under the Hudson River.

The post [VIDEO] First Underwater Vehicle Tunnel Changes The World appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] The $850 Million Gamble That Reshaped Lower Manhattan

2026-06-10T12:00:00-04:00

This video chronicles the ambitious construction of 8 Spruce Street, also known as New York by Gehry, a residential skyscraper in Lower Manhattan. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the building represented an $850 million gamble to revitalize the area after 9/11. The summary highlights Gehry's unconventional design, which avoids straight lines and features a unique undulating stainless steel facade, while maintaining a rational interior. The project faced significant challenges, including neighbor lawsuits over its height and shadows, and the 2008 financial crisis which halted construction. However, led by MaryAnne Gilmartin and her team at Forest City Ratner Companies, and influenced by the success of Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao museum, the developers navigated these obstacles through strategic compromises, including adding a public school and securing Liberty Bonds. The comeback of the tower not only reshaped the Financial District's skyline but also became a symbol of resilience and bold ideas for New York City, blending high-end living with community amenities like a school and medical floor within the building's base.

The post [WATCH] The $850 Million Gamble That Reshaped Lower Manhattan appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Drone NoLita

2026-06-09T12:00:00-04:00

This aerial footage offers a stunning perspective of Manhattan's vibrant NoLita neighborhood during the late summer months. The drone sweeps past prominent local landmarks such as 189 Bowery, the citizenM New York Bowery, the iconic New Museum at 235 Bowery, and the striking Public Hotel on Chrystie Street. The video captures the bustling streets, unique architecture, and breathtaking golden hour light, providing an immersive glimpse into this dynamic part of New York City.

The post [VIDEO] Drone NoLita appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] Why New York's Central Park Had a German U-Boat

2026-06-08T12:00:00-04:00

The video explains the bizarre story of a captured German U-boat, the UC-5, displayed in Central Park in the fall of 1917. Originally responsible for sinking dozens of ships in the English Channel, the submarine was captured by the British in 1916. Recognizing its symbolic value, the British offered to send it to New York City as a propaganda tool. After being cut into three sections and transported across the Atlantic, the UC-5 was reassembled on Sheep Meadow in Central Park. Renamed "U-Buy-a-Bond," it served to promote Liberty Bonds, with thousands visiting the exhibit and only bondholders allowed inside. This wartime spectacle aimed to make the distant conflict a tangible reality for Americans, turning fear into confidence and emphasizing that victory depended on both military effort and financial support. After the war bond campaign, the U-boat was disassembled and moved, eventually believed to be scrapped after further displays in Canada.

The post [WATCH] Why New York's Central Park Had a German U-Boat appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] His Home on Top of NYC Skyscraper cost $200k

2026-06-07T12:00:00-04:00

The video features architect Andrew Tesoro showcasing his extraordinary rooftop home, affectionately dubbed the "Rooftop Chalet," located on West 78th Street in Manhattan. Tesoro shares the fascinating story of how he acquired what was originally a small janitor's apartment atop a nearly 100-year-old building in 1996, transforming it into a spacious, light-filled abode. He details the extensive renovation process, including tearing down walls to create an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, installing expansive windows to capture panoramic city views, and even the unique, temporary construction stairs that remain after 28 years due to budget constraints. Tesoro also discusses the challenges of building in New York City with its complex zoning resolutions and explains the historical necessity of the iconic rooftop water towers visible from his unique vantage point. His home, a constant "work in progress," reflects his dream of living creatively in the city and has been a beloved space for his family.

The post [VIDEO] His Home on Top of NYC Skyscraper cost $200k appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] What's Under the Street in NYC?

2026-06-06T12:00:00-04:00

In this video, Public Opinion dives into the hidden world beneath New York City's streets, exploring the intricate network of utilities that keep the metropolis running. Joined by Tom Wynne, Deputy Commissioner of Infrastructure, and Peter Roloff, Resident Engineer, from the NYC Department of Design and Construction, the hosts uncover what they affectionately call "spaghetti"—a dense maze of high-voltage electricity cables, fiber optics, gas, steam, water, and sewer pipes. The video highlights the unique challenges of maintaining and upgrading this century-old infrastructure, often without modern maps, and explains New York's centralized steam system, a utility that has been operational since 1882 and heats and cools over 1,500 buildings in Manhattan, including iconic structures like the Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal. The engineers emphasize their role as caretakers, ensuring these essential systems continue to serve future generations.

The post [WATCH] What's Under the Street in NYC? appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] 20 Bucket List Foods In NYC

2026-06-05T12:00:00-04:00

Embark on an epic culinary journey through New York City with Business Insider's compiled list of 20 bucket list eateries. This gastronomic adventure features classic hot dogs from Papaya King, exquisite pizza from Lucali, and the renowned burger from Emily. Indulge in a legendary steak at Peter Luger Steak House, and savor a cronut from Dominique Ansel Bakery. For cheese lovers, there is grilled cheese from Murray's Cheese, while Wah Fung No.1 offers flavorful Cantonese roast meats. Sweet treats include ice cream from Eddie's Sweet Shop, refreshing lemon ice from The Lemon Ice King of Corona, unique doughnuts from Kora, and delightful cheesecakes from Eileen's Special Cheesecake. The list also covers cultural highlights such as dosas from Hindu Temple Society of North America's Temple Canteen, comforting soul food from Sylvia's Restaurant, and savory pierogi from Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen. Don't miss out on bubble tea from Tiger Sugar, a historic dining experience at Delmonico's, soup dumplings from Joe's Shanghai, and fluffy pancakes from Bubby's. Finally, cool down with handmade vegan ice cream from OddFellows Ice Cream and enjoy the classic chicken and waffles from Amy Ruth's.

The post [VIDEO] 20 Bucket List Foods In NYC appeared first on Viewing NYC