Construction Real Estate

Construction Begins on Hudson Yards’ Observation Deck

A rendering of the observation deck at 30 Hudson Yards slated for completion in late 2019. (Courtesy: Related/Oxford)

NEW YORK – The massive Hudson Yards complex under construction on the West Side will have almost everything — including an observation deck.

The developers of Hudson Yards — the Related Companies and Oxford Properties Group — have announced the start of construction on Hudson Yards’ Observation Deck. Standing more than 1,000 feet in the air and extending out 65 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, it will be the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, and the fifth highest in the world. With unobstructed views of the Manhattan Skyline and Hudson River, the deck will include a 10,000-square-foot restaurant, bar and event space run by renowned hospitality group rhubarb. The observation deck is scheduled to open in late 2019, shortly after The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, and the Public Square and Gardens and its centerpiece, Vessel, open in March 2019.

“Construction of the observation deck is the next major milestone in bringing Manhattan’s newest neighborhood to life,” said L. Jay Cross, President of Related Hudson Yards. “When it opens, the Hudson Yards Observation Deck will serve as the new focal point for the west side skyline. Whether you’re interested in a cocktail, a celebratory dinner, or just want to see what the city looks like from 1,000 feet up in the sky, the Hudson Yards Observation Deck will offer a truly unique New York experience.”

“Seeing Hudson Yards reshape the Manhattan skyline has been exciting to us and our partners,” said Blake Hutcheson, Chair, Oxford Properties Group. “Now, with the construction of the observation deck, residents and visitors alike can be a part of the skyline. We’re excited to see New York from such great heights, through the eyes of Hudson Yards.”

The Hudson Yards Observation Deck will be made up of 15 primary sections, each weighing between 35,000 and 100,000 pounds. Bolted together and anchored to the east and south sides of the building, the 765,000 pound observation deck will create a 7,500-square-foot outdoor viewing area. A nine-foot tall angled glass wall will encircle the deck, and a window in the floor will provide a once-in-a-lifetime look at the neighborhood below.

Designed by Bill Pedersen of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, 30 Hudson Yards will stand 1,296 feet tall and offer state-of-the-art commercial office space for its tenants, which include DNB Bank, Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts (KKR), Time Warner Inc. and Wells Fargo, among others. In addition to the Hudson Yards Observation Deck, the building has direct access to The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards and a direct connection to the No. 7 Subway station. The LEED Gold-designed tower is on track to top out this summer.

“The design of our two towers at Hudson Yards is based on our intention of making overt responses to all aspects of the surrounding urban landscape,” said Bill Pedersen, Founding Design Partner of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. “The most dramatic of these gestures will be the observation deck which cantilevers 65 feet out into space from the top of 30 Hudson Yards reaching out, almost as an invitation, to all of Manhattan. Together with the Vessel, these dramatic architectural structures are included in Hudson Yards for all to enjoy.”