The "Vanderbilt" of NYC: Your Guide to Manhattan's Most Confusingly Named Landmark (It's Not a Fancy Hotel...Probably)
Ah, New York City. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. And the city that throws the name "Vanderbilt" around like confetti at a billionaire's wedding. You might be wondering, as you scratch your head and dodge rogue pigeons, what exactly is the Vanderbilt in NYC? Is it a posh hotel where celebrities lick gold-plated steaks? A secret society for captains of industry with questionable mustaches?
Fear not, fellow tourist/bewildered resident! Today, we unveil the truth behind the Vanderbilt name, a truth that's more interesting than you might expect (and involves way less questionable facial hair).
The Grand Dame of Avenues: Vanderbilt Avenue
Let's start with the OG Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt Avenue. This grand thoroughfare snakes its way through three of NYC's boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island), named after the legendary Cornelius Vanderbilt, the 19th-century railroad tycoon who basically invented money (okay, maybe not invented, but definitely hoarded a Scrooge McDuck-level amount of it).
So, if you see "Vanderbilt Avenue" on a map, you're not lost. You're just channeling your inner Vanderbilt, strolling down a street steeped in history (and probably real estate moguls).
Reaching for the Skyscraper: One Vanderbilt
But here's where things get a little tricky. In 2020, a shiny new skyscraper named One Vanderbilt joined the Manhattan skyline. This architectural giant, all glass and steel, boasts the title of fourth-tallest building in New York City.
Now, you might think, "This must be THE Vanderbilt! The pinnacle of Vanderbilt-ness!" But hold on to your fedoras, folks, because there's another twist...
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Not Your Typical Office View
One Vanderbilt isn't just another office building filled with tired executives and questionable expense reports. It houses SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an immersive art experience that will have you questioning your perception of reality (and thanking your lucky stars you packed those non-slip socks).
Imagine glass-bottomed elevators whisking you up to the tippy-top of the skyscraper, where you can walk on transparent floors that dangle hundreds of feet above the city (don't worry, there are plenty of railings to prevent accidental hang-gliding attempts).
So, the Vanderbilt of NYC can be two things: a historic avenue or a vertigo-inducing art experience. Just remember, when it comes to Vanderbilt in New York City, there's more than meets the eye (or, you know, the very tall skyscraper).
