This week we present a unique set of pictures taken in New York City. While some of the buildings may look familiar, there are those that manifest the architects’ creativity in unusual structures, which seem to float in space. Myra Rudin, whose camera captures images with extraordinary flair, takes us through a fascinating journey in her feature, titled 30 Years Later “ adding explanatory text to the pictures. Readers get ready for the journey as narrated by Myra.
Sree Gururaja
"30 Years Later" (Part 1) by Myra Rudin
One of our XUNICEF members has suggested a feature on the changing landscape/cityscape of New York since leaving the city almost 30 years ago. For sure, a lot has changed! Some ideas mentioned were glimpses of the evolving landscape through building development and architecture that has shifted the NY city skyline during this period. Depicted here are some of the many developments which have occurred during these last 30 years. Along with a multitude of pencil-thin hi-rises, some of the most dramatic developments in New York’s architectural landscape were the transformation of large swaths of land into recreational areas, parks, or the creation of a whole new neighborhood like Hudson Yards.
HUDSON YARDS
Home to “The Edge”, the highest outdoor deck in the western hemisphere, Hudson Yards on the west side was built in phases, from 2012 – 2019 along the Hudson River waterfront, and is a conglomerate of office and residential towers, shops, restaurants and a performance space called “The Shed”.
HUDSON YARDS
Home to “The Edge”, the highest outdoor deck in the western hemisphere, Hudson Yards on the west side was built in phases, from 2012 – 2019 along the Hudson River waterfront, and is a conglomerate of office and residential towers, shops, restaurants and a performance space called “The Shed”.
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The Shed
THE HIGH LINE The High Line is a 1.5-mile-long elevated walkway, transformed from an old freight line also on the west side of Manhattan. It opened in 2009 with sections added until 2019, now running from Gansevoort St. in lower Manhattan to 34th St. in midtown. It has wonderful views of the city, with interesting artwork and creative seasonal landscaping throughout. The transformation created a boom in real estate with prices to match. Its final stage connected directly into Hudson Yards.     .jpg) LITTLE ISLAND Also on the west side adjacent to the High Line, Little Island is an artificial island created in the Hudson River, opening in 2021. Its 2.5 acres has a park setting, with interesting landscaping and views to lower Manhattan and New Jersey.  .jpg)  |
Fascinating and beautiful photos. Amazing how the city is improving. Thanks for sharing the Big Apple - 2025 version - with us who knew only the 1995 version. Great report, Myra.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, Myra, with many places I did not know about. I even shared this with our now LA-based son and family (though he and his wife are New Yorkers). They will be visiting The Big Apple for the first time in 2 years next week and may find some new places to go, thanks to you.
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DeleteWonderful. I haven't been to NYC since COVID! And Trump has taken away my desire to return..... But your pictures are so exciting and show that, against all odds, the Phoenix will rise from the ashes to fly again and again. Thanks Myra.
ReplyDeleteThank you for fantastic photos on the city I love <3
ReplyDeleteOver the past 30 years, , Lucknow has transformed from a culturally rich but modest city into a modern urban hub with significant infrastructure growth, including highways, the Lucknow Metro, and an expanded international airport. Economically, it has shifted from a government and trade-based economy to a diversified one, with booming logistics, real estate, and the establishment of India’s first AI city. The population has nearly doubled, diversifying its social fabric, while healthcare, education, and modern amenities like malls and IT parks have expanded, blending with its Nawabi heritage. Environmental challenges, such as worsening air quality and the mixed success of projects like the Gomti Riverfront, have emerged alongside rapid urbanization. Issues like congestion and heritage preservation remain ongoing struggles.
ReplyDeleteI left Lucknow 14 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI also retired 30 years ago, but have continued to visit regularly all these years. While there are many innovative architectural accomplishments, am not so sure that the Big Apple is much "better" than when we lived there. The taller the new buildings, the thinner they get and from a distance look like a series of spikes. Down on the ground traffic, noise, and trash have made living much less attractive. Even in the small "oasis" of Beekman Place where we lived for more than 10 years, the neighborhood has become like most others. In short I have mixed feelings about NYC, but I still appreciated the great photography from Myra. Bravo !
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