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How 5 Bridges Transformed New York City | Architectural Digest

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  • Published on Jan 19, 2026

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  • @BlueSaphire70
    @BlueSaphire70 2 years ago +1742

    I loved this episode, not only because of the content, but because it was presented by Mr. Wyetzner. He's the best!

    • @jenniferadams7582
      @jenniferadams7582 2 years ago +40

      I appreciate all of them but Mr. Wyetzner is my favorite. His expressiveness, especially with the hands, is what does it for me.

    • @tashaprayor2546
      @tashaprayor2546 Year ago +7

      He’s fantastic!

    • @dannymcwilliams422
      @dannymcwilliams422 Year ago +5

      I’m really enjoying them and I didn’t initially have a huge interest in architecture. Was curious about it and started watching these. Hes great at explaining things and keeping it interesting

    • @polyestermammoth740
      @polyestermammoth740 9 months ago +1

      He’s so engaging

    • @mkreis120
      @mkreis120 9 months ago +2

      Thanks for helping make architecture interesting, Mr. Wyetzner! 👍✌️

  • @Vikram_l
    @Vikram_l 2 years ago +1017

    This running series of videos on New York Architecture by Mr.Wyetzner is such a cool concept. Love everything about it.

  • @joesantamaria5874
    @joesantamaria5874 2 years ago +531

    This guy nails it. He has the facts, presents them in an interesting and engaging way, and dumbs down the information to us plebs perfectly.

    • @yuckyool
      @yuckyool 2 years ago +12

      I took civil engineering in college and the the story of the Brooklyn Bridge was told to us over and over again (Frank . . .) "Stella!!!" paintings too.
      Wyetzner explains the process of the caissons quickly and understandably.

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 Year ago +3

      He did make a few mistakes.

    • @nickv1212
      @nickv1212 6 months ago

      And he has a Christopher Walken-esque cadence.

  • @sanchemp
    @sanchemp 2 years ago +596

    Mr. Wyetzner is really the best. He simplifies the complex construction projects that’s really easy to understand. He’s a gem.

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 Year ago +2

      He did make a few mistakes!

    • @drewdukkha
      @drewdukkha Year ago +1

      @grillage2as we all do

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 Year ago

      @drewdukkha Yes, But he could have done more research.

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 7 months ago

      He did make a few mistakes.

  • @paradox12877
    @paradox12877 2 years ago +327

    The next 5 NYC bridges I'd like to see discussed by Mr. Wyetzner would be: the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and the no-longer-standing King's Bridge.

    • @nulltrope
      @nulltrope 2 years ago +10

      Yes! more of this would be great

    • @dr.woozie7500
      @dr.woozie7500 2 years ago +17

      Manhattan and Williamsburg are my favorites because subway trains go across them.

    • @jacobrath6247
      @jacobrath6247 2 years ago +10

      @dr.woozie7500 There used to be trains that went over the Brooklyn Bridge, but those train lines were some of the elevated BMT lines that got taken down.

    • @nkotowsk
      @nkotowsk 2 years ago +6

      I’d like to hear Mr. Wyetzner’s story for why the Tappan Zee bridge was built at virtually the widest point possible on the Hudson River.

    • @DTD110865
      @DTD110865 4 months ago

      ​@dr.woozie7500I've been on subways going across the Manhattan Bridge. I avoid the Williamsburg Bridge at all costs.

  • @BradThePitts
    @BradThePitts 2 years ago +62

    A longstanding joke is The George Washington Bridge's toll is FREE to go to New Jersey, but when you get there and don't like it, they charge you to get back into New York!

    • @MrSloika
      @MrSloika 2 years ago +9

      True also for the Delaware Bridges. It's free to get into New Jersey. What's that? You want to leave? Well, you gotta pay.

  • @TheGrantism
    @TheGrantism 2 years ago +80

    Feed me more of these videos so I can continue to architecturally digest!

  • @Aabil11
    @Aabil11 8 months ago +7

    0:55 the irony of the bridge getting hit by a Mexican navy vessel today

  • @fluffy-puffy-puppy
    @fluffy-puffy-puppy 2 years ago +84

    RIP to the men who built the beautiful Brookly bridge. 😔😔

    • @Everywhere2
      @Everywhere2 Year ago +15

      And to the woman who saw it through to completion.

    • @yeuxdal
      @yeuxdal Year ago +1

      Someone didn’t watch the video 🤪

  • @timcampo
    @timcampo 2 years ago +24

    Really happy to see Emily Roebling get the recognition she earned.

  • @daniel_shea
    @daniel_shea 2 years ago +106

    Absolutely fascinating. I simply cannot get enough of these architectural videos about New York. You mentioned the wonderful bus station at the Manhattan end of the George Washington Bridge, and said that nobody knows about it. Maybe you could do a video about that and other forgotten treasures of New York. In any case, more please...

    • @randyastle3301
      @randyastle3301 2 years ago +2

      Yes. I’ve walked past it thousands of times but gone inside much less-usually just for a restroom-so when it’s described as a marvel I wanted to hear more about why. (My son’s school bus went past the west side every day, under the end of the bridge, which the kindergarteners named the Tunnel of Doom. We still call it that while he’s a college sophomore.)

  • @dr.woozie7500
    @dr.woozie7500 2 years ago +72

    I appreciate that he included less popularly known bridges. There are so many structurally unique and interesting bridges in NYC that you could make a whole series about them.

  • @caroldixon7796
    @caroldixon7796 2 years ago +13

    Mr. Wyetzner is so articulate and knowledgeable, he is able to make the subject matter interesting to novices like me. Well done.

  • @TheMattsterling
    @TheMattsterling 2 years ago +49

    I am a huge fan of NYC history and a novice/curious fan of architecture. My Dad worked in commercial construction for years so I really enjoy every one of these videos. Particularly since I used to live in Manhattan and miss being surrounded by inspiring architecture!

  • @cardinalj
    @cardinalj 2 years ago +60

    Would love to see a video about the Pittsburgh area bridges.

  • @morganchilds9054
    @morganchilds9054 2 years ago +18

    This guy is a treasure, and watching these videos brings me back to my time living in NYC, walking 10-15 km a day and taking my own architecture tours by googling famous addresses of buildings and bridges I'd see.

  • @artsy12
    @artsy12 2 years ago +101

    Great video, very interesting.
    Would be great to see similar breakdowns of other famous bridges; the Tower Bridge in London, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, the Charles Bridge in Prague, or the High Bridge in Amsterdam.

    • @wvnovello
      @wvnovello 2 years ago +2

      Millau Viaduct is really cool too.

    • @LOLWAAHH
      @LOLWAAHH 2 years ago +6

      the Sydney Harbour Bridge happens to be a carbon copy (pun intended) of the Hellgate bridge

    • @johnmcdougall7679
      @johnmcdougall7679 Year ago +1

      @LOLWAAHH except that the Sydney bridge is much wider. Hellgate was two tracks wide; Sydney had 8 road lanes, 2 railway tracks, and 2 tram (light rail) tracks. The light rail tracks have been converted into two additional road lanes. On the other hand, I believe that the Hellgate bridge arch is about 1.5 feet longer. Try thinking like an engineer and not like a rabid "mine's bigger than your's" supporter.

  • @janerock2718
    @janerock2718 2 years ago +19

    I can’t get enough of these!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Mr. Weitzner!!!!!!

  • @iahorvath
    @iahorvath 2 years ago +5

    I enjoy your historical narratives of New York features. Your voice is also a joy to listen to.

  • @anthonygoldston-morris3279

    It was actually Gouvenor Morris who was the instigator of the Erie Canal and also designed the street grid pattern of manhattan

  • @boxsterman77
    @boxsterman77 2 years ago +11

    This is what makes NYC the greatest city in the world, and Manhattan it’s centerpiece. Getting there is not a trivial thing. And once you go through that rite of passage, you feel like you ate in a unique place.

  • @obifox6356
    @obifox6356 2 years ago +28

    You have made a great combined story of engineering, art and history. Thanks!

  • @emilyidina9651
    @emilyidina9651 2 years ago +88

    The Verrazano bridge, Midtown Tunnel, Holland Tunnel and of course the 59th Street bridge…. DUH Amazing episode as always. Thank you for another history lesson about one of the greatest cities in the world NYC Bby ❤

    • @motary
      @motary 2 years ago +5

      Yes! The queensboro bridge is incredible

    • @MrSloika
      @MrSloika 2 years ago +1

      The bridges that connect Staten Island to New Jersey.

    • @Coffeendonuts
      @Coffeendonuts Year ago

      NYC is a cesspool

    • @emilyidina9651
      @emilyidina9651 Year ago

      @Coffeendonuts TO YOU but who cares!! lmfaooo

    • @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv
      @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv Year ago +1

      Although not an American, I am fascinated but the architecture and bridges of NYC. Hope he does the same on Chicago .

  • @terrygibbs1147
    @terrygibbs1147 2 years ago +3

    As a Londoner I found this episode fascinating and it illustrates just how different the bridges in this city and New York are. I

  • @flippert0
    @flippert0 3 months ago

    The story about riveting the George-Washington bridge was, well, riveting!

  • @groundedlogic
    @groundedlogic Year ago +3

    A man's brain is incredible to be able to build, engineer, and keep these massive structures up for all these years.

  • @Lady.Scorpio7
    @Lady.Scorpio7 Year ago +1

    Mr. Wyetzner should have his own show.

  • @ElusiveTy
    @ElusiveTy 2 years ago +3

    I say it every time, Mr Wyetzner is amazing. Please keep bringing him back!

  • @ThecrazyJH96
    @ThecrazyJH96 2 years ago +2

    How they set the foundation is crazy

  • @kathythompson9931
    @kathythompson9931 2 years ago +17

    Fascinating and so very interesting! NYC rocks and so do you! Thank you very, very much!

  • @jennadc4748
    @jennadc4748 2 years ago +4

    Wow, the Roebling family, John, Washington, and Emily! 👏

  • @jeffreydeangelo8445
    @jeffreydeangelo8445 3 months ago

    I could watch this gentleman all day. What an extraordinary presenter. I love these videos. So fascinating.

  • @3321far
    @3321far 2 years ago +14

    The Robert Moses' bridges would be nice. Everybody knows the controversies of Robert Moses, but little is known of the actual designers and builders of his works.

  • @FiremanG
    @FiremanG 2 years ago +6

    I could listen to him all day!

  • @tuckercook7426
    @tuckercook7426 3 months ago +3

    $16 to cross a bridge is insane.

    • @CalebRoenigk
      @CalebRoenigk 2 months ago

      It's designed that way to keep the value of Manhattan real estate elevated. If you could live in NJ and cross every day for free a lot of places in Manhattan would be worth a lot less. (They also need some toll money to pay for maintenance of course)

  • @LOLWAAHH
    @LOLWAAHH 2 years ago +2

    I'm surprised they didn't mention the fact that the Sydney Harbor Bridge is an almost exact replica of the Hellgate bridge because they loved its design so much

  • @guitarmainly
    @guitarmainly 2 years ago +1

    Mr. Wyetzners love of everything NYC is contagious. Loved it!

  • @Firewatch557
    @Firewatch557 2 years ago +1

    He makes me feel like I’m back in college. I was looking for pen and paper and started taking notes

  • @BruinPhD2009
    @BruinPhD2009 2 years ago +11

    Thank you so much for this content. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing all these bridges, but I have to admit the GWB is my favorite of them all. I had “The Little Red Lighthouse at the Great Gray Bridge” as a little kid and as a teenager, I was thrilled to discover it was real when I saw it in person.

  • @alexanderclaylavin
    @alexanderclaylavin 2 years ago +2

    Got that Brooklyn Bridge feeling watching this. Thank you.

  • @Mr.MovingToPittsburgh412

    The history of NYC’s bridges is fascinating-especially how they transformed the city into the metropolis we know today

  • @dusty975
    @dusty975 2 years ago +9

    This was really interesting and so was full of fascinating information that when it finished ... I watched it again!

  • @peterwood5989
    @peterwood5989 10 months ago +1

    Please do a series of these encompassing all the bridges.
    As you revealed, they all have a great NY story and purpose.

  • @James-kv6kb
    @James-kv6kb 2 years ago +1

    Can't believe you've got a bridge that looks exactly like the Sydney Harbour bridge in Australia

  • @CarterLee-jv4ky
    @CarterLee-jv4ky Year ago +1

    I live in the west now. I've tried describing central park to my new friends, but there hasn't been a way to truly describe this incredible, amazing, beautiful place... Thank you.

  • @grillage2
    @grillage2 Year ago +1

    The Engineer of design for the GWB was Allston Dana. He collaborated with Ammann on the design. Cass Gilbert was only the Architect for the stonework.

  • @aj_ingoglia_films
    @aj_ingoglia_films 2 years ago +3

    This was absolutely fantastic. As a life long New Yorker I never heard any of these stories. Incredible.

  • @juliacuthy
    @juliacuthy 2 years ago +3

    The Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, FL! It is the second longest concrete cable-stayed bridge in the western hemisphere. Interesting local history behind the strip of land it crosses, as well.

  • @MrAschiff
    @MrAschiff 23 days ago

    The precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge is the bridge built in Cincinnati, by the same architect, John Roebling

  • @samushunter0048
    @samushunter0048 Year ago +1

    So remarkable that something built in the 1800's is still vital to current day life and has not changed too much as far as appearance

  • @matthewoffenbacher6548
    @matthewoffenbacher6548 2 years ago +2

    One of the types of videos that's so worthwhile watching. I'm slowly getting more content via social media that feeds my mind, and heart.❤

  • @BrubandJfowl
    @BrubandJfowl 2 years ago +2

    Did you know they were going to build a restaurant inside the towers of the GW Bridge? CRAZY!

  • @KidRivera1115
    @KidRivera1115 2 years ago +2

    The Highland bridge reminds me of a bridge we have here in Minneapolis called the Stone Arch Bridge. Definitely have to take a walk on the Highland bridge whenever I go back to NYC

  • @opalyankaBG
    @opalyankaBG 2 years ago +9

    Loved this episode! Would be interested in hearing about 5 more bridges. Manhattan, Triboro, Verrazano narrows, Queensboro, Williamsburg bridges to name a few.

  • @CPHSDC
    @CPHSDC 4 months ago

    I couldn't get my head around it until I crossed over it.

  • @aliceaosborne515
    @aliceaosborne515 2 months ago

    Could AD do a series on a city like this about San Francisco?!

  • @frankmenchaca9993
    @frankmenchaca9993 2 years ago +2

    As always, Mr. Wyetzer tells how really fascinating all these structures are in his videos. An excellent guide. I would this series to go further afield to other cities to see their architectural treasures. Bravo, sir!

  • @lesyankee6129
    @lesyankee6129 2 years ago +2

    As a native New Yorker, thanks for mentioning the Little Red Lighthouse. I had the book as a child and still remember the story.

  • @LorolinAstori
    @LorolinAstori 3 months ago

    As a New Yorker I appreciate this video, and I learned something to boot! I've never been to High bridge so I will visit there soon

  • @EtreTocsin
    @EtreTocsin 2 years ago +2

    I am just so grateful for such quality content. Thank you AD!

  • @BodaciousWench
    @BodaciousWench Year ago

    I read a book about trying to get water to New York and something about a reservoir where the library is.

  • @AHarmo
    @AHarmo 2 years ago +2

    Jeff Bridges next please. Thanks for asking :)

  • @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv

    Loving these episodes. Linda Fairstein writes her books around these interesting areas. She makes them come alive but it's great to see the videos too.

  • @triandfit1
    @triandfit1 Year ago

    I loved that book about the little red lighthouse when I was a kid!

  • @MalcolmCribbes
    @MalcolmCribbes Year ago

    That rail bridge is built like the Sydney Harbour Bridge in New South Wales in Australia.
    Pretty cool .
    Great stories .

  • @MexicanaRama
    @MexicanaRama 2 months ago

    Wonderful video - thank you for sharing! Another episode about Manhattan, Williamsburg, Queensboro, and the Verrazzano Bridge would be lovely.

  • @nickgavis0305
    @nickgavis0305 2 years ago

    The way they built those bridges was wild

  • @joeybagadonuts5774
    @joeybagadonuts5774 Year ago +1

    The tolls on the GW bridge are insane! Million dollars a day?? Wow. Excellent video.

  • @NathanHarrison7
    @NathanHarrison7 Year ago +3

    What a beautiful series. I love all of the architectural details and fun facts. And the architect is a great presenter. You can really tell he’s passionate about what he shares with us.

  • @alberttross175
    @alberttross175 2 years ago +4

    This was terrific. Thanks!

  • @nunya___
    @nunya___ 2 years ago

    Arial drone clips of these bridges would have been a spectacular addition.

  • @mkreis120
    @mkreis120 9 months ago +1

    Have driven these bridges many times and never new all these amazing things - Thanks for sharing! 😀👍❤️✌️

  • @NicotineRosberg
    @NicotineRosberg 2 years ago +1

    I've traversed on every single 1 them & haven't thought about the history behind them so thanks for this !

  • @randyastle3301
    @randyastle3301 2 years ago

    Also, learning that the GWB, my neighborhood bridge, was supposed to be filled in, is like when I learned last month that the Guggenheim was supposed to be red!

  • @j3434ful
    @j3434ful 2 years ago +11

    as an uptown resident i loved seeing my neighborhood and surrounding areas through time through the history of these bridges, would love to know more about the GWB Bus terminal!

    • @randyastle3301
      @randyastle3301 2 years ago +2

      Same! I’ve seen it thousands of times, but would love to hear why an architect admires it.

  • @larsfrandsen2501
    @larsfrandsen2501 Month ago

    Append a chapter on the bridges in Inwood, please. Great video!

  • @mauroeckhardt223
    @mauroeckhardt223 2 years ago

    This is still the most beautifully made format on the internet to just dive in and be entertained & informed

  • @evan.agumbs1887
    @evan.agumbs1887 8 months ago

    I found these episodes on the bridges to be very informative and educational about the construction of those bridges at that time,the episode on the Verranzano bridge will be very interesting.

  • @mtoscano343
    @mtoscano343 Year ago +2

    Highly interesting, intelligent & enjoyable. Thank you Mr. Wyetzner!

  • @frankb1
    @frankb1 Year ago +1

    More please

  • @modoubles49988
    @modoubles49988 9 months ago

    Mr. Wyetzner is an incredibly eloquent speaker. I love the way he simplifies the complex details and projects that’s really easy to digest! Binge watching videos about the architecture in New York City has been my recurrent theme!!!

  • @mondoman712
    @mondoman712 2 years ago +1

    The George Washington bridge is only the busiest if you're only looking at how many vehicles cross, which IMO isn't very interesting since multiple people can fit in one vehicle and we'd usually consider something as being busy when there's lots of people. The Manhattan bridge carries at least twice as many people in peak hours, mostly via the subway.

  • @Pigzit
    @Pigzit 2 years ago +2

    Thank you Mr. Wyetzner!

  • @EmilianoSerrano-g3n
    @EmilianoSerrano-g3n 2 years ago +1

    Would love to see a video about the Pittsburgh area bridges.. RIP to the men who built the beautiful Brookly bridge. .

  • @SamMcKinley
    @SamMcKinley 2 years ago +1

    NYC city architecture and culture is unmatched. NY 1960 is a book I have. I want the others.

  • @ScottCP1
    @ScottCP1 2 years ago +2

    The Hellgate Bridge looks like a mini Sydney Harbor Bridge.

  • @michelerigley9286
    @michelerigley9286 Year ago +1

    I'm an admirer of the Brooklyn Bridge, completing McCullough's book about it while sitting on a plane to NYC several years ago. But I never could grasp the concept of the Cason until your explanation and illustrations.
    Thank you! Great video!

  • @MatthewHirsch-z8f
    @MatthewHirsch-z8f 2 years ago

    The Verrazzano connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island!

  • @stevevisek7422
    @stevevisek7422 9 months ago

    Informative, educational and entertaining. A most enjoyable presentation!

  • @jordanlrice
    @jordanlrice Year ago +1

    These episodes are absolutely wonderful. I can’t get enough.

  • @Il-SKl
    @Il-SKl Year ago +1

    $59 million at the time of construction of the GWB was an insane amount of money - literally over $1.0 BILLION in today’s money.

  • @lmgtulsa
    @lmgtulsa 2 years ago +7

    I LOVE these informative vids! So cool. Thanks for making them. ❤

  • @allensaunders449
    @allensaunders449 Year ago +1

    The differences are alot more then bridges many decades included

  • @luciusvorenus9445
    @luciusvorenus9445 2 years ago +1

    Mr. Wyetzner, how about more information on the bus station at the end of the GW bridge that you described as the best building in NYC? Please?

  • @vitotondo3274
    @vitotondo3274 16 days ago

    Very nice video, super clear explanation!

  • @OneGazelle
    @OneGazelle Year ago

    When I was a kid, living in Brooklyn, my Boy Scout troop belong to the five bridges region. No one could ever tell me the names of the five bridges. I'm very happy I just happen to stumble across this tonight.

  • @katecassidy9357
    @katecassidy9357 Year ago

    I freaking love these videos. You’re guaranteed to learn at least five fascinating things in 12 minutes.

  • @souly25life
    @souly25life 2 years ago

    As a" Bronxite" I often bring up the significance of the bronx and its land mass. Great episode.

  • @noelleking4271
    @noelleking4271 2 years ago +1

    Please make this a series!! Incredible job signed bridge aficionado

  • @lonebison
    @lonebison 2 years ago +1

    LOVE this video! I could listen to Mr. Wyetzner all day! Fascinating content.