The Hudson Yards Vessel, the enormous honeycomb-shaped structure which has been closed for years following a spate of suicides, will reopen to the public this year, various outlets reported this weekend.
The 150-foot structure, designed by Thomas Heatherwick as the centerpiece of one of the city’s biggest real estate developments in memory, was closed by the developer, Related Companies, in 2021 after just two years of public accessibility. Between opening day and July 2021, four people leapt to their deaths from the Vessel, after which Related opted to close it to the public until further notice.
Since then, the 16-story tall structure, with 2,500 steps and 80 landings, has stood empty, a gleaming symbol of the multi-billion dollar west side development that still remains largely empty. The Vessel alone is estimated to have cost $200 million to build.
The news of the reopening was first reported by the New York Post on Friday and followed up by various outlets. The reopening will come with “floor-to-ceiling” steel mesh nets on four of the Vessel’s stairwells and adjacent platforms.
“Through a closely coordinated effort with Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio, we have developed a plan to install floor-to-ceiling steel mesh on Vessel while also preserving the unique experience that has drawn millions of visitors from around the globe,” said Related Companies spokesperson Kathleen Corless. “We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Vessel later this year.”
The reopening is set to take place sometime this year. Access to the upper areas, beyond the first two floors, will be limited to those parts where steel mesh suicide netting has been added, and the top level will be closed. Related says the steel mesh is designed to withstand both attempts at cutting or removal by visitors, as well as inclement weather.
Before closing, tickets to climb the Vessel cost $10 apiece, though it’s unclear what they will cost after reopening.
Updated with comments from the Related Companies.
