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Sky Bridges
Skybridges, which, though rare, could once be found in various Manhattan locations, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. While erected for pedestrian convenience, the utility of these aerial walkways became less relevant as elevator technology improved over the 20th century. Despite their decline, a handful of sky bridges remain today and are always an unexpected joy to see. In this list, we will introduce you to the history and wonder of some of our favorite "skywalks" (those long gone and those still extant)!
Hudson Terminal
The Hudson Terminal sky bridge was designed to connect two 22-story office skyscrapers which, at the time, were among the world's largest when the terminal opened in 1909.
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West 15th Footbridge
The West 15th Footbridge is attached to the building where the Oreo was invented! Constructed in 1930, it was built to connect Nabisco’s office, known today as Chelsea Market, to its bakery across the street.
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National Biscuit Company Shipping Building
Nabisco's sprawling complex was so large that they needed two footbridges! This one connected the company's bakery to a second office building on the west side of 10th Avenue. When the footbridge was active, it ran above the rail tracks that once brought goods to the factory.
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4 Staple Street
The Staple Street skybridge connected the New York Hospital’s House of Relief with its three-story brick annex building across at 67 Jay Street. As it turns out, the property has been on and off the market as a pocket listing over the past few years. In 2015, the sky bridge reportedly hit the market for $30 million!
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Wanamaker's Annex
Called the "Bridge of Progress" this skybridge connected the 1862 Stewart department store building (which became a Wanamaker store in 1896) and the 1907 Wanamaker "Annex" Building between 8th and 9th Streets. These two buildings were lavish shopping destinations for the first half of the 20th century.
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