Hudson Yards: tour of most expensive development in US history

A ground view of Vessel, the site’s prominent art installationBusiness Insider/Jessica Tyler

At $25 billion, Hudson Yards is the most expensive real estate development in US history. It’s also one of the largest: Once completed, the project will span more than 18 million square feet, including 14 acres of public space. 

With two buildings already completed and many more underway, the development now overwhelms the Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods near the Eastern and Western Railyards. Though recognized by its public landmark — a 150-feet-tall honeycomb structure known as Vessel — its buildings are masterful achievements in their own right.

Business Insider got a rare peek inside the development site, which is bustling with activity and a maze of new construction. Every day there’s a new path to navigate, said Geoff Butler, the senior project manager at Related Companies, which is co-developing the site with Oxford Properties Group.

Even on a cloudy day, the buildings’ reflective panels glisten in a celebration of progress.

Take a look at how the development is coming along.  

To the right of the retail center is 10 Hudson Yards, which feeds directly into the High Line. The structure is designed to meet LEED Platinum standards — the highest green building certification.

Business Insider/Jessica Tyler

The structure, which opened in May 2016, already contains companies like L’Oréal USA, Sidewalk Labs, Guardian, and The Boston Consulting Group.