Suicides Prompt New Public Access Rules for the Vessel at Manhattan's Hudson Yards

Steve Cuozzo reports that The Vessel will reopen this week after closing for four months due to a rash of suicides. "Three visitors in the past year jumped off the 150-feet-tall structure," reports Cuozzo.

When the 154 interlocking staircases reopen, individual visitors will no longer be allowed to access the structure. Security staff, already a controversial aspect of the experience of visiting the Vessel, has been triples. An unnamed representative from Related Companies, Hudson Yards’ owner, is quoted in the article saying there are also newly "enhanced guest engagement and screening procedures to detect high-risk behaviors."

"Also for the first time, previously free-all-day tickets will be $10 for visitors above 5 years old after the first hour of each day’s opening times," according to Cuozzo.

The new rules and practices have been implemented rather than installing glass barriers on walkways.

Thomas Heatherwick, designer of the Vessel, has been in the news after Another high-profile project also designed by Vessel designer Thomas Heatherwick, the Little Island, opened last week, extending 2.4 acres on a pier connected to Hudson River Park.