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How 5 Bridges Transformed New York City | Architectural Digest

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  • Published on Jun 21, 2025

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  • @BlueSaphire70
    @BlueSaphire70 Year ago +1613

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

    • @jenniferadams7582
      @jenniferadams7582 Year ago +38

      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 2 months ago +1

      He’s so engaging

    • @mkreis120
      @mkreis120 2 months ago +2

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

  • @joesantamaria5874
    @joesantamaria5874 Year ago +449

    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 Year ago +10

      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.

  • @Vikram_l
    @Vikram_l Year ago +947

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

  • @sanchemp
    @sanchemp Year ago +565

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

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 11 months ago +2

      He did make a few mistakes!

    • @drewdukkha
      @drewdukkha 6 months ago +1

      @@grillage2as we all do

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 6 months ago

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

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 8 days ago

      He did make a few mistakes.

  • @pardox28
    @pardox28 Year ago +290

    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 Year ago +8

      Yes! more of this would be great

    • @dr.woozie7500
      @dr.woozie7500 Year ago +16

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

    • @jacobrath6247
      @jacobrath6247 Year 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 Year 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.

  • @daniel_shea
    @daniel_shea Year ago +98

    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 Year 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.)

  • @TheMattsterling
    @TheMattsterling Year ago +45

    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!

  • @dr.woozie7500
    @dr.woozie7500 Year ago +64

    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 Year ago +7

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

  • @janerock2718
    @janerock2718 Year ago +16

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

  • @artsy12
    @artsy12 Year ago +95

    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 Year ago +2

      Millau Viaduct is really cool too.

    • @LOLWAAHH
      @LOLWAAHH Year ago +5

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

    • @johnmcdougall7679
      @johnmcdougall7679 11 months 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.

  • @iahorvath
    @iahorvath Year ago +5

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

  • @morganchilds9054
    @morganchilds9054 Year ago +13

    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.

  • @cardinalj
    @cardinalj Year ago +57

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

  • @emilyidina9651
    @emilyidina9651 Year ago +84

    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 Year ago +4

      Yes! The queensboro bridge is incredible

    • @MrSloika
      @MrSloika Year ago

      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 11 months ago

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

  • @TheGrantism
    @TheGrantism Year ago +71

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

  • @obifox6356
    @obifox6356 Year ago +27

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

  • @kathythompson9931
    @kathythompson9931 Year ago +17

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

  • @dusty975
    @dusty975 Year ago +9

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

  • @boxsterman77
    @boxsterman77 Year ago +9

    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.

  • @matthewoffenbacher6548

    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.❤

  • @BruinPhD2009
    @BruinPhD2009 Year 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.

  • @ElusiveTy
    @ElusiveTy Year ago +3

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

  • @michelerigley9286
    @michelerigley9286 8 months 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!

  • @NathanHarrison7
    @NathanHarrison7 10 months 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.

  • @mkreis120
    @mkreis120 2 months ago +1

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

  • @fluffy-puffy-puppy
    @fluffy-puffy-puppy Year ago +72

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

    • @Everywhere2
      @Everywhere2 Year ago +11

      And to the woman who saw it through to completion.

    • @yeuxdal
      @yeuxdal 5 months ago

      Someone didn’t watch the video 🤪

  • @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv
    @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv 11 months ago +2

    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.

  • @j3434ful
    @j3434ful Year 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 Year ago +2

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

  • @opalyankaBG
    @opalyankaBG Year 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.

  • @polinamusurivschi3871
    @polinamusurivschi3871 4 months ago +1

    These series on Architecture with Mr.Wyetzner are my absolute favourite, could we have tons more, please!

  • @mtoscano343
    @mtoscano343 Year ago +2

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

  • @terrygibbs1147
    @terrygibbs1147 Year 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

  • @aj_ingoglia_films
    @aj_ingoglia_films Year ago +3

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

  • @KidRivera1115
    @KidRivera1115 Year 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

  • @modoubles49988
    @modoubles49988 2 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!!!

  • @PressPasser
    @PressPasser Year ago

    Loved the video. Was expecting you to cover the Verrazano Narrows bridge as well.

  • @peterwood5989
    @peterwood5989 3 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.

  • @alexanderclaylavin
    @alexanderclaylavin Year ago +2

    Got that Brooklyn Bridge feeling watching this. Thank you.

  • @kweenah.dknight
    @kweenah.dknight Year ago

    This was so absolutely fascinating ❤

  • @giacomog5216
    @giacomog5216 Year ago +6

    I could listen to him all day!

  • @nicolevieirapires4340

    13:59 - the George Washington bridge is absolutely stunning!! thank you for the video!

  • @rgarlinyc
    @rgarlinyc Year ago +1

    Every one of these presentations makes me love NYC even more than before I watched them - and I cannot envision a time when this increasing love will ever cease. Thanks a ton Mr Wyetzner for bringing my favorite city to life so wonderfully!

  • @alberttross175
    @alberttross175 Year ago +4

    This was terrific. Thanks!

  • @kersfieldhousertmcoltd5425

    Brilliant video, thank you👍👍 I live in south west London, whare sadly we can't afford to mend one of our great Thames river bridges.

  • @frankmenchaca9993
    @frankmenchaca9993 Year 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!

  • @larrysmith3389
    @larrysmith3389 Year ago +18

    Having been born in NY Hospital and living in the area for the next 45 years, I always enjoy learning of its history. Mr. Wyetzner did a fantastic job of bringing that history to life and for that I am truly greatful.

  • @BradThePitts
    @BradThePitts Year ago +27

    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 Year ago +3

      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.

  • @rachaelgoldman5846
    @rachaelgoldman5846 Year ago +3

    Please discuss the Verrazano Narrows and Bayonne Bridge by Othmar Ammann. Mr. Wyetzner, you are a bridge of knowledge.

    • @grillage2
      @grillage2 Year ago

      I could give you much more detailed information about the Verrazzano.

  • @NicotineRosberg
    @NicotineRosberg Year ago +1

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

  • @guitarmainly
    @guitarmainly Year ago +1

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

  • @IOAFan
    @IOAFan Year ago +5

    What a fantastic video! I especially enjoyed the info on the Hellgate Bridge and the GWB. Thank you for the wonderful videos in this series.

  • @juliacuthy
    @juliacuthy Year 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.

  • @lmgtulsa
    @lmgtulsa Year ago +7

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

  • @Aabil11
    @Aabil11 Month ago +5

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

  • @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.

  • @timcampo
    @timcampo Year ago +10

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

  • @deborahdavis6801
    @deborahdavis6801 Year ago +5

    Fantastic !! I have read a book that goes extensively into the process of building the Brooklyn Bridge, including all the wire being produced in Trenton, NJ and the details you mentioned about the Roeblings, the politics at the time, and so much more. Absolutely incredible history! So glad to learn a bit about the other bridges too! TY

  • @EtreTocsin
    @EtreTocsin Year ago +2

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

  • @goliensan4136
    @goliensan4136 Year ago +3

    Love these series. you’re fantastic and so all your picks

  • @JohnDiffie
    @JohnDiffie Year ago

    Curious about the varrizono bridge. Maybe a discussion on that . Great info .been over the gw many times. So much didn't know all that . Thanks

  • @jennadc4748
    @jennadc4748 Year ago +4

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

  • @lisaharrington6488

    I really enjoyed this glimpse of some of New York City bridges. I found the history that Mr. Wyetzner presented very interesting. I would like to learn more about all the bridges in the area of NYC but especially the 59th Street Bridge, Verrazano Narrows, Manhattan and Bow Bridge in Central Park. Thank you!

  • @paulgar8
    @paulgar8 Year ago +2

    Thank you again for the great post. How about a look at that great bus station no one knows about?

  • @chrisg8995
    @chrisg8995 11 months ago

    Excellent presenting. Greatly appreciate your style of delivery. Thank you

  • @lonebison
    @lonebison Year ago +1

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

  • @donnaslater6522
    @donnaslater6522 Year ago

    Planning my first trip over Christmas..Thank you for the history of New York.

  • @joeybagadonuts5774
    @joeybagadonuts5774 Year ago +1

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

  • @magicknight13
    @magicknight13 Year ago

    Love this series very much, it's bonded my family together because of my moms personal past in NY and Mr Wyetzner is so generous with his insight, knowledge and time!

  • @jordeahgrosko
    @jordeahgrosko Year ago

    Never would have searched for this video hut im happy it showed up in my fyp. I learned so much

  • @jordanlrice
    @jordanlrice Year ago +1

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

  • @Pigzit
    @Pigzit Year ago +2

    Thank you Mr. Wyetzner!

  • @evan.agumbs1887
    @evan.agumbs1887 Month 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.

  • @paulinedudley9656
    @paulinedudley9656 Year ago +4

    I love these videos, as well as the walking tours. It's so interesting to hear the history of the areas and how the structures came to be made.

  • @CarterLee-jv4ky
    @CarterLee-jv4ky 7 months ago

    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.

  • @thegadgetwizard
    @thegadgetwizard Year ago

    Love your interesting videos. This was great!

  • @WomenofWealthLuxury

    I just want to say thank you to the brave men who labored and lost their lives building something so valuable. Thank you!

  • @katecassidy9357
    @katecassidy9357 5 months ago

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

  • @rajivradha
    @rajivradha 8 months ago +2

    The presenter is first class. Does he give guided tours? So interesting. New York has always been a passion for me.

  • @carolfreeman9773
    @carolfreeman9773 Year ago +3

    What an interesting and fun presentation! Learned so much. I don't know how many zillions of times I've passed the George Washington Bridge - never noticed the lighthouse. Also so interesting to know that the area near Highbridge was once an active recreational site. My father used to drive me to school along the Harlem River Drive, and it always seemed like such a quiet and unknown part of the city.

  • @veraBeStnews
    @veraBeStnews 8 months ago

    This was so interesting. Such complex structures but you managed to highlight and explain their uniqueness or innovation so that it is remarkable and understandable. Thank you!

  • @kesschristopher
    @kesschristopher Year ago +3

    Great video. Bridges I’d like to see discussed on this channel: Verrazano Narrows Bridge, Pulaski Skyway, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Sunshine Skyway, SF Bay Bridge (new eastern span)

  • @jacobrath6247
    @jacobrath6247 Year ago

    I love that you mentioned the Little Red Lighthouse! When I was in 2nd grade my teacher read that book to our class, and then took us on a field trip to visit it.

  • @stevevisek7422
    @stevevisek7422 2 months ago

    Informative, educational and entertaining. A most enjoyable presentation!

  • @markbykowsky8934
    @markbykowsky8934 5 months ago

    Full of interesting explanations, commentary, and humor. And all presented in an engaging and entertaining way….terrific…

  • @GCarnell
    @GCarnell Year ago +1

    That was fascinating. Thank you for providing these very educational moments. I’m a native New Yorker (Bronx), but learn so much each time you present your masterclasses.

  • @mauroeckhardt223

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

  • @triandfit1
    @triandfit1 11 months ago

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

  • @kuztomix
    @kuztomix Year ago

    Always interesting and well done ! Also I didn't realize that ballet dancers worked at the Brooklyn Bridge's construction site 3:15

  • @lesyankee6129
    @lesyankee6129 Year 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.

  • @LukeStrickland-m2s
    @LukeStrickland-m2s Year ago +2

    Excellent tutorial and overview.!! Please do more on NY bridges.. I LOVE these informative vids! So cool. Thanks for making them. .

  • @MDries-se8uw
    @MDries-se8uw Year ago

    8:44 hahaahahhahaa sounds like he got really emotional all over a sudden 😂😂

  • @kuldipbinning1989
    @kuldipbinning1989 Year ago +2

    Fascinating, really interested in these Majestic structures you see every day. Actually I was watching mega projects in China & as you mentioned it's unheard of to complete public projects under budget. They seem to do this all the time in China.

  • @souly25life
    @souly25life Year ago

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

  • @harveywier4400
    @harveywier4400 Year ago +2

    Absolutely fascinating - engineering miracles we drive by every day and take so much for granted but rely upon for so much - thanks for a great entertaining presentation!

  • @pyromusic9
    @pyromusic9 Year ago +1

    These videos are so amazing. Keep em coming!!! It would be nice to learn about the remaining bridges.

  • @karinetyrrell1402
    @karinetyrrell1402 Year ago +1

    Fascinating. Thank you for a great story about a great city and its bridges.

  • @EmilianoSerrano-g3n

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

  • @didiermeynders
    @didiermeynders 11 months ago

    I think I like architecture, and I like the way how this is all presented.

  • @kamilebrahimoff3589
    @kamilebrahimoff3589 2 months ago

    Thank you,
    I enjoyed this video about the New York bridges.