VESSEL’S SAFETY NET
Set to reopen after suicides
Hudson Yards’ famed landmark the Vessel will reopen to visitors later this year with new safety barriers — after a series of suicides shut down the tourist attraction in 2021.
The massive spiral staircase in the ritzy development on the west side of Manhattan will have cutresistant “floor-to-ceiling steel mesh” on most levels, said a rep with Related Companies, the Yards’ owner.
“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,” the representative said on Friday, referring to the design and architecture firm and its founder.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Vessel later this year,” the rep added.
An exact reopening date for 2024 was not revealed.
The top level of the geometric landmark will remain closed because it is not possible to safeguard that part, Related Companies said.
And while the first two levels of the spiraling staircase will be fully reopened, the floors above will only be partially accessible to the public in places where the barriers are added.
Steel mesh
The steel mesh is designed to withstand any damage, including from people trying to cut it, and is expected to hold up against nasty weather, Related said.
The structure, the crown jewel of the gleaming Midtown development, first opened in March 2019, but has been closed since August 2021 after four people died by suicide there, including a 14-year-old boy.
The teen died in front of his family in July 2021 — even after the attraction’s owners took steps to try to prevent such tragedy.
A 21-year-old man who was suspected of fatally stabbing his mother in Texas also jumped from the massive structure in January 2021, shortly after a woman plunged off the side days before Christmas.
A 19-year-old former rugby player from New Jersey also died by suicide in early 2020.
The Related rep said a
policy that required at least two guests to visit the Hudson Yards centerpiece together would no longer be in effect when it opens up again because of the new safety measures.
Tickets to enter were previously $10.
It was not immediately clear what the price would be when guests are allowed back.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go online to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.