1/15/2013
By Ivan Pereira
Work commenced on the newest addition to the west side’s redevelopment Tuesday with the groundbreaking of the Manhattan West building.
The 5-million square foot at 9th Avenue and 33rd Street will replace the once industrial area with commercial, retail and residential space and a green space.
“It is just amazing how much development there has been all along the West Side, an area that a lot of people didn’t expect to have potential,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was at the site with other city leaders and developers for the groundbreaking. The most touted feature of the $4.5 billion project is the space’s deck that overlooks the location. The platform will have 16 pedestrian bridges that surround the buildings and the 1.5-acre open space.
Bloomberg predicted this would attract visitors and economic incubators to the West Side.
“People want to see the city survive. They want to see it grow,” he said.
The mayor and development companies have worked to revitalize the area that used to be a train yard for years. Construction is already under way for the main part of the Hudson Yards project, a 26-acre, $15 billion commercial development, and the first building, the South Tower, is slated to open in two years.
The area has already become a hot tourist attraction due to the popularity of the High Line Park, according to the mayor.
“This neighborhood is gaining momentum. We are seeing our investments pay off in a big way,” he said.
