tours

What’s New for the Future of New York City

Last week I had the honor of attending the press conference on all that is new in the New York tourism scene – as well as new projects for years to come! I was so happy to be there in the midst of so many journalists, you have no idea! And getting to know so many new things that the city is preparing for this and the next few years made me even more excited. Today, I share with you some of the highlights of everything New York will have in the next few years:

The Shed – Schedule to open on Spring 2019, The Shed is located between 10th and 11th Avenue, where High Line Park meets Hudson Yards and it is the first arts center designed to commission, produce, and present all types of performing arts, visual arts, and popular culture. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Rockwell Group, The Shed’s 200,000-square-foot home comprises an eight-level base structure and a telescoping outer shell. Check out the website. 

Vessel – located at Hudson Yards – the largest private real estate development in the history of the United States – Vessel is already known as the New York’s Eiffel Tower and it is scheduled to open on March 2019. Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs—almost 2,500 individual steps— and 80 landings, it was designed by British architect Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs—almost 2,500 individual steps— and 80 landings.

The Observation Deck at Hudson Yards – this will be the highest outdoor observation deck, at 1296 feer, coming late 2019 and featuring river-to-river panoramic views of the City’s skyline.

One Valderbilt – Manhattan’s second-tallest skyscraper, it will debut in 2020 at more than 1400 feet. The building will include an indoor-outdoor observation deck at 1100 above street level and visitors will be able to access the new observation deck through an entrance inside Grand Central Terminal.

Mercado Little Spain – The Spanish food hall collaboration from José Andrés and brothers Ferran and Albert Adrià in the Hudson Yards development is taking over 35,000 square feet of Related Companies’ splashy far west side project, with space both indoors and out. Expect three full-service restaurants and lots of stalls — the idea being that Mercado Little Spain will give a taste of Spanish dining from morning to late night. Tapas, pintxos, jamon, churros, fried seafood, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and Spanish grocery items will be among the offerings. The model is much like an Eataly-style market, but with a focus on Spanish food. It’s opening in spring 2019 at 10 Hudson Yards. (Eater)

The Statue of Liberty Museum – When this new museum opens, it will be the most monumental addition to Liberty Island since the Statue herself. More than that, it will allow millions more visitors to enjoy the Statue of Liberty experience and be inspired by her history and message of freedom and opportunity. This project is projected to be completed in 2019. The museum will feature interactive displays, museum galleries and an immersive theater, besides unobstructed views of the statue and a green roof.

Pier 17 – the Pier 17 revitalization project is almost complete. The venue on South Street Seaport will feature shops and restaurants – as well as a rooftop concert venue, scheduled to open in August. The 10 Corso Como shop and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant are among the new features of Pier 17. Check out the agenda here.

Lionsgate Entertainment City – Lionsgate and leisure park operator Parques Reunidos announced a strategic partnership today with the first Lionsgate-branded indoor entertainment center, set to open in New York City’s Times Square in 2019. Among the elements of Lionsgate Entertainment City will be a Mad Men themed “dining and lounge experience”; a Hunger Games flying simulator attraction, a Divergent themed obstacle course; the John Wick: Chapter Two shooting ride where fans go head-to-head with a series of assailants; a 4D film and live theater; and virtual reality entertainment, including a Nerve VR motorcycle experience. (Deadline Hollywood)

Empire Outlets – New York City will finally have an outlet to call your own (Jersey Gardens and Woodbury are not located in New York City!). Whoever follow my blog a while ago should remember that I had already anticipated this news here. The venue, with about 100 stores – including Nike Factory, Gap Outlet, Polo and more – opens November 15 on Staten Island.

QC Terme Destination Day Spa – three historic buildings of Governors Island have been converted into a spa of more than 78 square foot, including saunas, restaurants, swimming pools and treatment rooms. All overlooking the river and the city skyline. The spa should open in 2021.

Are you excited? 


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