The Vessel, a famous Hudson Yards landmark, is set to reopen to tourists with new safety fencing installed later this year after a spate of suicides in 2021 caused the tourist attraction to close. .
The giant spiral staircase in a luxury development on Manhattan’s west side will feature cut-resistant “floor-to-ceiling steel mesh” on most levels, which will help it withstand outdoor winds. , said a representative from Yard, an affiliated company. ” Owner, Friday.
“In close collaboration with Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio, we plan to install floor-to-ceiling steel mesh at the Vessel, preserving the unique experience that has attracted millions of visitors from around the world. ,” the representative said, referring to the design and architecture firm and its founder.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Vessel later this year,” the representative added.
The exact reopening date for 2024 has not been disclosed.
Related companies say the top layer of the geometric landmark cannot be protected and will remain closed.
Additionally, the first two floors of the spiral staircase will be fully reopened, but only the upper floors will be accessible to the public with added railings.
The steel mesh is designed to withstand all kinds of damage, including people trying to cut it, and is expected to withstand inclement weather, Related said.
The building, a jewel in the glitzy Midtown development that first opened in March 2019, has been closed since August 2021 after four people died by suicide, including a 14-year-old boy.
Despite steps taken by the vessel to prevent such tragedies, the boy died in front of his family in July 2021.
In January 2021, a 21-year-old man suspected of stabbing his mother to death in Texas jumped off a giant structure, and a woman previously jumped off the side just days before Christmas.
A 19-year-old former rugby player from New Jersey also died by suicide in early 2020.
Officials said the policy requiring at least two guests to visit Hudson Yards’ centerpiece together will be disabled upon reopening due to other new safety measures.
Admission tickets used to be $10. It was not immediately clear what the price would be if guests were allowed to return.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
