Viewing NYC Articles in Manhattan

[VIDEO] Refurbishing New York's George Washington Bridge, The World's Busiest Span

2026-08-16T12:00:00-04:00

This video offers an in-depth look at the George Washington Bridge, renowned as the world's busiest span, connecting Manhattan and Fort Lee, New Jersey. Senior Project Manager Hong Lin from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey discusses the bridge's rich history, from its inauguration in 1931 as the globe's longest suspension bridge to its present-day role, facilitating over 100 million vehicle trips annually. The segment delves into engineer Othmar Ammann’s original vision, the intricate construction process involving massive cables and anchorage buildings, and the expansion of its traffic lanes. Currently, the bridge is undergoing a significant $2 billion multi-phase restoration project. This includes replacing suspender ropes, rehabilitating main cables, and enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists with new ramps and redesigned walkways. This extensive undertaking, highlighted during Open House New York, aims to secure the bridge's legacy and functionality for another century, solidifying its status as a landmark of New York City's engineering and transportation prowess.

The post [VIDEO] Refurbishing New York's George Washington Bridge, The World's Busiest Span appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] We Tried NYC’s Best Texas BBQ

2026-08-15T12:00:00-04:00

Embark on a culinary adventure to Red Hook, Brooklyn, where the renowned Hometown Bar-B-Que serves up what some call the best Texas-style barbecue outside of Texas. Opened in 2013 by Brooklyn native Billy Durney, who honed his pit master skills traveling to BBQ hotspots, the restaurant has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The journey to Red Hook from Midtown Manhattan can be over an hour by subway, but the hosts recommend taking the free NY Waterway ferry to IKEA Brooklyn for scenic views and a quicker, albeit indirect, route. Upon arrival, the irresistible smoky aroma and a consistent line out the door are clear indicators of its popularity. Inside, the converted garage boasts a rustic ambiance with exposed wood, string lights, and an American flag. The hosts sampled a feast, including impossibly tender beef rib, moist and flavorful brisket, sweet and tangy spare ribs, a perfectly balanced pastrami sandwich, a unique pulled pork sandwich with a dill-forward slaw, buttery cornbread, and a refreshing banana pudding. Despite the high prices, the exceptional quality, especially of the beef rib and brisket, makes it a must-try for barbecue enthusiasts in New York City. Billy Durney has expanded his culinary empire to include additional Hometown Bar-B-Que locations, Red Hook Tavern, and other dining concepts.

The post [WATCH] We Tried NYC’s Best Texas BBQ appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Piece of American Revolution still stands in New York's oldest fence

2026-08-14T12:00:00-04:00

This video explores the history of the Bowling Green fence in Manhattan, New York's oldest fence. Originally installed in 1771 to protect a statue of King George III of Great Britain, the fence became a witness to a dramatic event on July 9, 1776. After the Declaration of Independence was read, angry crowds tore down King George's statue. The lead from the statue was then melted down to create musket balls for the American Revolution. Pieces of the statue were eventually recovered over the centuries, with some now housed at the Wilton Historical Society and the Museum of the City of New York. The fence itself was vandalized during the rebellion, with its decorative finials (described as gold crowns) removed, likely for use as munitions. The fence, however, survived and was reinstalled at Bowling Green in 1938 by the Parks Department, standing today as a rare physical link to New York City's revolutionary past.

The post [VIDEO] Piece of American Revolution still stands in New York's oldest fence appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] A Day at the Most Hyped Mexican Restaurant in NYC

2026-08-13T12:00:00-04:00

Bon Appétit spends a day at Corima, a New York City restaurant that earned a Michelin star just 11 months after opening. Head Chef and owner Fidel Caballero guides viewers through Corima's dedication to Northern Mexican cuisine, which involves whole-animal butchery of lamb, dry-aging proteins, fermentation, and making fresh sourdough flour tortillas daily. The team showcases their impressive techniques while preparing dishes for their tasting and à la carte menus, including a morel taco stuffed with lamb sausage and lamb fat-roasted morels. Additionally, Chef Caballero and his wife Sofia Ostos visit their new bar, Bar Chucho, in Chinatown, where they're putting the finishing touches before opening, offering a distinct menu with items like a burger and various cocktails. The video concludes with the team at Corima preparing for a busy dinner service, highlighting their meticulous prep and collaborative kitchen environment.

The post [WATCH] A Day at the Most Hyped Mexican Restaurant in NYC appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Why Times Square’s Billboards Are Required By Law

2026-08-12T12:00:00-04:00

Architect Michael Wyetzner leads a walking tour of Times Square in New York City, exploring the surprising zoning laws and urban design decisions that transformed the area from a gritty red-light district into a global attraction. He explains how current regulations mandate extensive illuminated signs, noting that buildings like Three Times Square must incorporate 50 square feet of LED signage for every linear foot of street frontage. Wyetzner highlights the historical context, tracing the area's evolution from its early days with signs designed by O.J. Gude to its revitalization efforts in the 1980s under Mayor Ed Koch, which aimed to maintain its illuminated character while deterring crime.
The tour delves into specific landmarks: One Times Square, where the iconic New Year's Eve ball drops, was originally built as the headquarters for The New York Times. Its subway connection facilitated newspaper distribution and drew crowds, solidifying its role as a public gathering spot. Wyetzner interviews Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown, owners of One Times Square, who discusses the ongoing evolution of the New Year's Eve ball and the building's current use as a 21st-century visitor center.
He also visits the Winter Garden Theatre, which was originally the American Horse Exchange, and the historic Knickerbocker Hotel, built before zoning laws required electric signs. The video underscores how these individual buildings and the city's continuous efforts in urban planning have shaped Times Square into the vibrant, light-filled "Crossroads of the World" it is today.

The post [VIDEO] Why Times Square’s Billboards Are Required By Law appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] The Richest Family That Owns Manhattan

2026-08-11T12:00:00-04:00

The video explores the powerful families who own significant real estate in Manhattan, delving into ten dynasties that shape the city's landscape. It highlights their strategies, from the Resnick Family who built their empire on patience and holding assets for decades, to the Durst Family at the top, known for transforming areas like Times Square and their stake in One World Trade Center. Other featured families include the Rose Family who focused on luxury residential buildings like those on the Upper East Side and revitalizing the Financial District, the Zeckendorf Family behind ultra-luxury condos such as 15 Central Park West, and the Fisher Family who own numerous corporate fortresses in Midtown. The Malkin Family controls the iconic Empire State Building, transforming it into an eco-friendly tech campus. The Speyer Family owns and revitalized Rockefeller Center. The LeFrak Family built entire communities like LeFrak City in Queens and Newport in Jersey City. Finally, the Goldman Family maintains a vast, privately held portfolio across Manhattan, often through ground leases, demonstrating how these long-standing families exert quiet but immense influence over New York City's past, present, and future.

The post [WATCH] The Richest Family That Owns Manhattan appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] The Most Depressing Island in New York City

2026-08-09T12:00:00-04:00

This video delves into the unique and often overlooked history and infrastructure of Randalls Island (which merged with Wards Island), revealing its transformation into a central hub of crucial but often undesirable city services. Once two separate islands, it became a dumping ground for facilities like orphanages, hospitals, asylums, and reformatories starting in the mid-1800s. The video highlights how urban planner Robert Moses dramatically reshaped the island in the 1930s with the construction of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, turning it into a major highway interchange for Manhattan, Queens, and The Bronx. The island also hosts the Hell Gate Bridge, a vital rail link on the U.S. East Coast, and the massive Wards Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Despite being filled with extensive recreational areas like Icahn Stadium and numerous ball fields, it remains geographically central but largely isolated from the rest of the city, accessible primarily by car or pedestrian bridges, with no direct subway access.

The post [WATCH] The Most Depressing Island in New York City appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] How New Jersey Lost Staten Island to New York

2026-08-07T12:00:00-04:00

The video investigates the popular legend of how New Jersey lost Staten Island to New York in a sailing race. According to the tale, Captain Christopher Billopp of New York supposedly won Staten Island by circling it in under 24 hours in his ship, the Bentley, aided by empty barrels to catch the wind. However, a deep dive into historical records, including articles from The New York Times and various historical books, reveals inconsistencies in dates, details of the race, and even the identity of Captain Billopp. The narrator traces the story's origin to Reverend Gabriel Poillon Disosway, a local chronicler, who likely shared it as an embellished oral history in the mid-1800s. The investigation, which included visiting the New York Public Library and the Conference House (also known as Billopp Manor) on Staten Island, ultimately reveals the Staten Island race story to be a charming but historically unsubstantiated "tall tale" that evolved over centuries.

The post [WATCH] How New Jersey Lost Staten Island to New York appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] 'Lunch on a Beam' explores mystery surrounding iconic photo of Rockefeller Center workers

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

This video delves into the enduring mystery surrounding an iconic photograph of 11 workers eating lunch on a steel beam, suspended 850 feet above Midtown Manhattan during the construction of the Rockefeller Center in the 1930s. Long assumed to be a spontaneous moment, author and Rock Center Archivist Christine Roussel reveals in her new book, Lunch on a Beam: The Making of an American Photograph, that the photo was actually part of a meticulously planned publicity campaign. Roussel discusses the challenges and triumphs of identifying the men in the picture, explaining how some names were found through archival clues and family connections. She also shares her personal journey into the Rockefeller Center family, starting her career helping Vice President Nelson Rockefeller with his art collection before becoming a pivotal figure in preserving the landmark's rich history.

The post [VIDEO] 'Lunch on a Beam' explores mystery surrounding iconic photo of Rockefeller Center workers appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] The Terrible Engineering Behind New York City's $3.1B Collapsing Skyscraper

2026-08-05T12:00:00-04:00

This video delves into the engineering woes plaguing New York City's luxurious 432 Park Avenue skyscraper. Designed as one of the slenderest residential towers, its ambitious height on a narrow footprint introduced unprecedented forces. Wind interaction causes the entire building to oscillate, leading to a cascade of internal failures like stressed pipes, stalled elevators, and shifting interiors. The video explains that these systemic issues stem from a fundamental design decision about the tower's shape, making re-engineering a completed, occupied building financially and practically overwhelming. It serves as a compelling case study on the consequences when architectural ambition outpaces practical engineering limits, particularly in the realm of expensive, high-rise construction.

The post [WATCH] The Terrible Engineering Behind New York City's $3.1B Collapsing Skyscraper appeared first on Viewing NYC