New York City's landmarks are essentially what make it what it is, and although barely any of us have actually visited the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building, we recognize how integral they are to NYC's culture and history.
Well, it looks like the city is planning an addition to the cityscape that will "become to New York what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris."
Woah. That's quite a statement.
Nevertheless, Related Companies Chairman Stephen Ross stands by it. The forthcoming sculpture, designed by British artist Thomas Heatherwick, is to be erected in the Hudson Yards plaza and is estimated to be costing the city a cool $200 million.
It'd better be a hell of sculpture.
The final designs have yet to be revealed, but Ross ensures that "It will be very iconic...very bold statements, I know that."
The super vague description would be slightly worrisome if it weren't for Heatherwick's impressive resume. His studio is responsible for the Olympic Cauldron at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the Shanghai World Expo 2010’s “UK Pavilion."
The project's impact will also go far beyond aesthetic. It's estimated that the construction of the sculpture will create 55,752 jobs, as well as contributing $1.784 billion in revenue to the MTA.
The development may also mean that formerly scrapped plans for a 7 train stop at West 41st Street and 10th Avenue may be back in play, which Senator Chuck Schumer feels is a highly beneficial move for NYC transit.
At this point, we'll take any help we can get.
We're uncertain the sculpture will quite hold a candle to the Eiffel Tower, but we're definitely looking forward to its reveal.
Check out Hudson Yards Officially Set to Have the Tallest Observation Deck in NYC.