the neighbors are almost home

I was thrilled to be
able to take photos.

I really love my job and because we are a well-known park that covers a large area along the west side of Manhattan, we have a lot of friends and neighbors. One of our soon-to-be neighbors is the future Whitney Museum of American Art. Our office is nestled into the northeast side of the museum and like the new and improved Whitney; it was also designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano. (He gave us a "deal" because we are a non-profit organization - we couldn't be as close as we are to it and be an eye sore.) Last night, we were offered a construction tour of the unfinished museum and it was super cool. Getting VIP treatment is always a ton of fun, but when it has to do with a world-renowned art museum it just makes it that much cooler. We had to wear hard-soled shoes and hard hats while we toured. We were able to see open space on entire floors because the walls have yet to be built. Someone asked why they couldn't keep the spaces free and clear, but as the tour guide/project manager ever-so-gently reminded us - the building is meant to house art and a lot of art needs to be hung up, which is hard to do without walls. (Novel idea, right?) The views from the building are incredible. It was so neat to see a project so monumental in such an unfinished state. Presently, the Whitney offices are scattered between four buildings in different areas of the city, but in four short weeks the staff will all live next door. I cannot wait. The actual museum is not slated to open until Spring 2015 and once it does the High Line will become even busier than it already is. You should schedule a visit. Mark your calendar! Click here to learn more about Renzo Piano and the Whitney construction project.