Tenth Avenue in Manhattan, New York, is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, each with its own quirky history and hidden facts. Let’s embark on a lighthearted tour of this avenue's architectural delights!
The High Line
Once an elevated railway, the High Line is now a lush, linear park. Opened in 1934, it was part of the West Side Improvement Project. Fun fact: it was originally designed to transport goods directly to factories and warehouses, avoiding street-level traffic.
Hudson Yards
The Hudson Yards development is a modern architectural feat. It's the largest private real estate development in U.S. history! Featuring the Vessel, a honeycomb-like structure, it’s both a stairway to nowhere and a selfie paradise.
Chelsea Market
Once the home of the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco), Chelsea Market is now a foodie haven. This historic building, dating back to the 1890s, is where the Oreo cookie was invented in 1912. Yum!
London Terrace
The London Terrace apartments, completed in 1930, were once the largest apartment complex in the world. It boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a roof deck with views to die for.
Starrett-Lehigh Building
An iconic Art Deco structure, the Starrett-Lehigh Building was built in 1931. Known for its horizontal "strip" windows, it was a pioneer in daylighting, making workspaces brighter and more pleasant.
The Ohm
Completed in 2010, The Ohm is a modern residential building with a futuristic design. It has a digital art installation in the lobby featuring works by prominent artists. Talk about living in a gallery!
The Desmond Tutu Center
Originally built as the General Theological Seminary, the Desmond Tutu Center is now a conference center named after the South African Archbishop. The Gothic Revival architecture makes it look like a piece of old England in NYC.
The IAC Building
Designed by Frank Gehry, the IAC Building was completed in 2007. Its sail-like façade is made of fritted glass, and it’s considered one of New York’s most striking modern buildings.
The Terminal Warehouse
Built in 1891, the Terminal Warehouse was the first major New York warehouse to integrate rail and maritime transport. Its Romanesque Revival style and arched doorways are a nod to its industrial past.
The Morgan Mail Facility
This colossal post office, officially the Morgan General Mail Facility, was built in 1933. It's one of the largest mail facilities in the world, and its art deco design is a testament to the era’s architectural grandeur.
Tenth Avenue is a blend of history and modernity, with each building telling its own unique story. Whether it's the industrial past or the sleek future, this avenue is a living museum of architectural wonders.