Erik Hodgetts
@eriktheguide.bsky.social
More Posts About Buildings And Food.
NYC tour guide, educator, and architect.
More at linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
NYC tour guide, educator, and architect.
More at linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
Always fun to make some home-made #ice cream for the holidays. This year it's rich milk chocolate with candied orange peel, and Philadelphia-style Madagascar Vanilla with dark chocolate 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 (those who are following along may remember seeing that batch getting assembled a few weeks back!)
December 27, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Always fun to make some home-made #ice cream for the holidays. This year it's rich milk chocolate with candied orange peel, and Philadelphia-style Madagascar Vanilla with dark chocolate 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 (those who are following along may remember seeing that batch getting assembled a few weeks back!)
Thanks for taking this stroll through NYC history. The next time you walk by #HudsonYards or see it in the news, remember the long path the area took to become what it is today.
If you’d like to find out more about my tours & other topics, please check out linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
If you’d like to find out more about my tours & other topics, please check out linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
Erik Hodgetts | Instagram | Linktree
Your local guide in NYC for history, architecture, food culture & more...
linktr.ee
December 26, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Thanks for taking this stroll through NYC history. The next time you walk by #HudsonYards or see it in the news, remember the long path the area took to become what it is today.
If you’d like to find out more about my tours & other topics, please check out linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
If you’d like to find out more about my tours & other topics, please check out linktr.ee/erikhodgetts
Mixed opinions haven't stopped the city & developers from pursuing an expansion to the remaining westernmost portion of the railyards, which - after a brief flirtation with the inclusion of a casino - is currently slated to add residential towers, a hotel, public school & park.
December 25, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Mixed opinions haven't stopped the city & developers from pursuing an expansion to the remaining westernmost portion of the railyards, which - after a brief flirtation with the inclusion of a casino - is currently slated to add residential towers, a hotel, public school & park.
And though #HudsonYards is abuzz with high-end corporate tenants and a tourist magnet, its design & planning have received a distinctly cool reception - critics lament its disconnection from the city, the awkward crowding of its giant buildings, and lack of attention to details.
December 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
And though #HudsonYards is abuzz with high-end corporate tenants and a tourist magnet, its design & planning have received a distinctly cool reception - critics lament its disconnection from the city, the awkward crowding of its giant buildings, and lack of attention to details.
But #HudsonYards also drew ire for abuse of the EB-5 program, intended to support economically-needy districts by giving US visas to foreigners investing $500K+. This was achieved by creating a cynically gerrymandered area that linked to public housing in Harlem via Central Park.
December 23, 2025 at 3:16 PM
But #HudsonYards also drew ire for abuse of the EB-5 program, intended to support economically-needy districts by giving US visas to foreigners investing $500K+. This was achieved by creating a cynically gerrymandered area that linked to public housing in Harlem via Central Park.
The plan included the now-familiar cluster of bespoke skyscrapers by various starchitects, an expandable performance space from the designers of the #HighLine park, & a whimsical “art” feature consisting of a beehive-like set of staircases by developer darling Thomas Heatherwick.
December 22, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The plan included the now-familiar cluster of bespoke skyscrapers by various starchitects, an expandable performance space from the designers of the #HighLine park, & a whimsical “art” feature consisting of a beehive-like set of staircases by developer darling Thomas Heatherwick.
With zoning & transport plans in place, NYC solicited proposals from developers. After false starts stalled by the 2008 financial crisis, The Related Companies & Oxford Properties obtained a 99-year lease on the site & began construction of a platform over the rail yards in 2014.
December 21, 2025 at 3:14 PM
With zoning & transport plans in place, NYC solicited proposals from developers. After false starts stalled by the 2008 financial crisis, The Related Companies & Oxford Properties obtained a 99-year lease on the site & began construction of a platform over the rail yards in 2014.
In 2005, NYC opened a path towards development by formally rezoning the neighborhood for commercial and residential use. Progress on the #HighLine park drew attention to the area, and the start of the 7 train subway extension removed the stumbling block of lack of transit access.
December 20, 2025 at 2:33 PM
In 2005, NYC opened a path towards development by formally rezoning the neighborhood for commercial and residential use. Progress on the #HighLine park drew attention to the area, and the start of the 7 train subway extension removed the stumbling block of lack of transit access.
Through the 1990s, various proposals were made to move #YankeeStadium to the railyards. Starting in 2001, NYC proposed a West Side Stadium here as part of its unsuccessful bid to be the site of the 2012 Olympic Games and a home for the NY Jets, but this also didn't come to pass.
December 19, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Through the 1990s, various proposals were made to move #YankeeStadium to the railyards. Starting in 2001, NYC proposed a West Side Stadium here as part of its unsuccessful bid to be the site of the 2012 Olympic Games and a home for the NY Jets, but this also didn't come to pass.
Eventually, ownership of the remaining yards passed to the MTA, who reorganized them in 1986 for Long Island Railroad trains. Keeping future development in mind, the new #LIRR layout reserved space between the tracks to allow construction of columns to support a platform above.
December 18, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Eventually, ownership of the remaining yards passed to the MTA, who reorganized them in 1986 for Long Island Railroad trains. Keeping future development in mind, the new #LIRR layout reserved space between the tracks to allow construction of columns to support a platform above.
Under pressure from the further decline of US rail transport, the Pennsylvania Railroad & NY Central merged, but then went bankrupt in 1970. Their large area of combined yards was sold off to the state of New York & by the ‘80s a portion north of 34th St became the #JavitsCenter.
December 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Under pressure from the further decline of US rail transport, the Pennsylvania Railroad & NY Central merged, but then went bankrupt in 1970. Their large area of combined yards was sold off to the state of New York & by the ‘80s a portion north of 34th St became the #JavitsCenter.
In 1964, US Steel got the air rights to the yards & briefly considered creating a factory & housing complex to show off the role of steel in residential construction. But the project was abandoned, & their big PR move for the year was building the #Unisphere for the World's Fair.
December 16, 2025 at 3:03 PM
In 1964, US Steel got the air rights to the yards & briefly considered creating a factory & housing complex to show off the role of steel in residential construction. But the project was abandoned, & their big PR move for the year was building the #Unisphere for the World's Fair.
In the post-war era, the rise of containerized shipping, with larger ships needing deeper water, moved business away from the #Manhattan waterfront. Highways favoring car travel & truck transport cut deeply into passenger & freight train use. The neighborhood began to decline.
December 15, 2025 at 2:44 PM
In the post-war era, the rise of containerized shipping, with larger ships needing deeper water, moved business away from the #Manhattan waterfront. Highways favoring car travel & truck transport cut deeply into passenger & freight train use. The neighborhood began to decline.
As early as 1956, developer William Zeckendorf proposed a vast complex over the yards with offices, TV studios, a merchandise mart & a “permanent world's fair” all linked to #PennStation via pedestrian conveyor. It never came to fruition, but he held on to the site’s air rights.
December 14, 2025 at 3:46 PM
As early as 1956, developer William Zeckendorf proposed a vast complex over the yards with offices, TV studios, a merchandise mart & a “permanent world's fair” all linked to #PennStation via pedestrian conveyor. It never came to fruition, but he held on to the site’s air rights.
Rising from the railyards to run downtown along the waterfront, the NY Central Railroad built the #HighLine in the 1930s as part of a Robert Moses plan to serve freight trains previously running at street level. Elevating this traffic made the streets safer & less congested.
December 13, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Rising from the railyards to run downtown along the waterfront, the NY Central Railroad built the #HighLine in the 1930s as part of a Robert Moses plan to serve freight trains previously running at street level. Elevating this traffic made the streets safer & less congested.
Between the river and #PennStation, the vast rail yards required to manage all the train traffic were a block wider than the station itself, stretching from 30th to 33rd Streets and creating a rare, super-large parcel that has been of interest to real estate developers for many years.
December 12, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Between the river and #PennStation, the vast rail yards required to manage all the train traffic were a block wider than the station itself, stretching from 30th to 33rd Streets and creating a rare, super-large parcel that has been of interest to real estate developers for many years.
For passenger service, the new rail path under the Hudson ended at the original McKim, Meade & White-designed #PennsylvaniaStation, a grand Beaux-Arts edifice covering two uptown blocks between 7th and 8th Avenues which also housed a new extension of the Long Island Railroad.
December 11, 2025 at 2:39 PM
For passenger service, the new rail path under the Hudson ended at the original McKim, Meade & White-designed #PennsylvaniaStation, a grand Beaux-Arts edifice covering two uptown blocks between 7th and 8th Avenues which also housed a new extension of the Long Island Railroad.
After consolidating control of railroads on the New Jersey side, the #PennsylvaniaRailroad greatly improved both freight & passenger access to NYC by building two single-track rail tunnels under the Hudson. Completed in 1910, they are still in use by Amtrak & NJ Transit today.
December 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
After consolidating control of railroads on the New Jersey side, the #PennsylvaniaRailroad greatly improved both freight & passenger access to NYC by building two single-track rail tunnels under the Hudson. Completed in 1910, they are still in use by Amtrak & NJ Transit today.
In the 1800s, with the help of the #ErieCanal, NYC grew to be the largest commercial shipping port on the East Coast. But after the rise of rail freight, train cars coming from the mainland had to be ferried across the Hudson on barges in order to get to the Manhattan waterfront.
December 9, 2025 at 2:42 PM
In the 1800s, with the help of the #ErieCanal, NYC grew to be the largest commercial shipping port on the East Coast. But after the rise of rail freight, train cars coming from the mainland had to be ferried across the Hudson on barges in order to get to the Manhattan waterfront.
Those who have taken my West Side tours in Manhattan know my long interest in how the once-commercial waterfront grew to be neighborhoods frequented by New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Over the upcoming days, let's take a look at the history of #HudsonYards - love it or hate it!
Over the upcoming days, let's take a look at the history of #HudsonYards - love it or hate it!
December 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Those who have taken my West Side tours in Manhattan know my long interest in how the once-commercial waterfront grew to be neighborhoods frequented by New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Over the upcoming days, let's take a look at the history of #HudsonYards - love it or hate it!
Over the upcoming days, let's take a look at the history of #HudsonYards - love it or hate it!
Looking forward to checking out the new exhibit opening at The Museum of Food and Drink @MOFAD in #DUMBO's Empire Stores.
Street Food City traces the history of NYC's outdoor vendors of treats like halal chicken & rice, knishes, and even the humble hot dog.
www.mofad.org/exhibition-s...
Street Food City traces the history of NYC's outdoor vendors of treats like halal chicken & rice, knishes, and even the humble hot dog.
www.mofad.org/exhibition-s...
December 7, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Looking forward to checking out the new exhibit opening at The Museum of Food and Drink @MOFAD in #DUMBO's Empire Stores.
Street Food City traces the history of NYC's outdoor vendors of treats like halal chicken & rice, knishes, and even the humble hot dog.
www.mofad.org/exhibition-s...
Street Food City traces the history of NYC's outdoor vendors of treats like halal chicken & rice, knishes, and even the humble hot dog.
www.mofad.org/exhibition-s...
Stopping in at German butchers and more @SchallerWeber on the UES - a great source for tasty stocking stuffers.
Could not resist indulging in their Leberkäse sandwich - a toothsome treat some have described as "luxury pork meatloaf" perfectly set off with mustard & pickles on a seeded roll.
Could not resist indulging in their Leberkäse sandwich - a toothsome treat some have described as "luxury pork meatloaf" perfectly set off with mustard & pickles on a seeded roll.
December 6, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Stopping in at German butchers and more @SchallerWeber on the UES - a great source for tasty stocking stuffers.
Could not resist indulging in their Leberkäse sandwich - a toothsome treat some have described as "luxury pork meatloaf" perfectly set off with mustard & pickles on a seeded roll.
Could not resist indulging in their Leberkäse sandwich - a toothsome treat some have described as "luxury pork meatloaf" perfectly set off with mustard & pickles on a seeded roll.
If you missed our recent @FITcps art walks on the #HighLine, not to worry - Cecilia Alemani's 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥: 𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘖𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘦 includes images and interviews on the distinctive work of Pamela Rosenkranz, Kapwani Kiwanga, and others.
bit.ly/48zvrJM
bit.ly/48zvrJM
December 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
If you missed our recent @FITcps art walks on the #HighLine, not to worry - Cecilia Alemani's 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥: 𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘖𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘦 includes images and interviews on the distinctive work of Pamela Rosenkranz, Kapwani Kiwanga, and others.
bit.ly/48zvrJM
bit.ly/48zvrJM
Enlivening some home-made vanilla #icecream with dark chocolate 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 - an Italian method literally meaning "rags" or "shreds." Melted and poured over the frozen surface, it solidifies in a thin layer that can then be folded in to make elegant crisp flakes.
December 4, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Enlivening some home-made vanilla #icecream with dark chocolate 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 - an Italian method literally meaning "rags" or "shreds." Melted and poured over the frozen surface, it solidifies in a thin layer that can then be folded in to make elegant crisp flakes.
From reliable no-frills kebab shop Ankara No. 3 on the corner of East Houston and Orchard Street, a mixed #gyro of chicken, lamb, and beef on Turkish pita.
Long-time frequenters of the Lower East Side may remember them from their prior incarnation here under the name Bereket.
Long-time frequenters of the Lower East Side may remember them from their prior incarnation here under the name Bereket.
December 3, 2025 at 3:13 PM
From reliable no-frills kebab shop Ankara No. 3 on the corner of East Houston and Orchard Street, a mixed #gyro of chicken, lamb, and beef on Turkish pita.
Long-time frequenters of the Lower East Side may remember them from their prior incarnation here under the name Bereket.
Long-time frequenters of the Lower East Side may remember them from their prior incarnation here under the name Bereket.