How 5 Bridges Transformed New York City | Architectural Digest

Today Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects joins AD for an in-depth look at how bridges transformed New York City into the thriving metropolis we know today. Once upon a time, ferries were the only way to travel between New York’s five boroughs but thanks to the construction of major bridges, like The Brooklyn Bridge and The George Washington Bridge, the city became connected. Join Michael for a closer look at how five bridges helped shape NYC into the bustling city we know today.
00:40 The Brooklyn Bridge
05:05 The Hellgate Bridge
08:25 Macombs Dam Bridge
11:18 The High Bridge
14:07 The George Washington Bridge
Gregory Grice III, Gregorygricephotography.com
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Charlie Jordan
Editor: Tristen Rogers
Host: Michael Wyetzner
Producer: Skylar Economy
Field Producer: Alyssa Marino
Associate Producer: Landrie Hatcher; Chloe Leung
Production Manager: Melissa Herber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: Cloud Corredor
Sound Mixer: Gabe Quiroga
Production Assistant: Patrick Sargent
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@BlueSaphire70]

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

[@jenniferadams7582]

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

[@Vikram_l]

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

[@utkandora]

I really love it

[@kyle2beats]

@@utkandorait makes me go 😊

[@magicknight13]

It makes me sooo happy!!

[@joesantamaria5874]

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]

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]

He did make a few mistakes.

[@sanchemp]

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

[@pardox28]

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]

Yes! more of this would be great

[@dr.woozie7500]

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

[@jacobrath6247]

@@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]

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.

[@fluffy-puffy-puppy]

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

[@TheGrantism]

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

[@daniel_shea]

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]

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.)

[@emilyidina9651]

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]

Yes! The queensboro bridge is incredible

[@MrSloika]

The bridges that connect Staten Island to New Jersey.

[@Coffeendonuts]

NYC is a cesspool

[@emilyidina9651]

@@Coffeendonuts TO YOU but who cares!! lmfaooo

[@dr.woozie7500]

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.

[@janerock2718]

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

[@cardinalj]

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

[@dreamerfishb]

Came here to say the same thing!!

[@elizabethduplat5998]

Cosign

[@dianahellman9254]

I totally agree!

[@TheMattsterling]

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!

[@artsy12]

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]

Millau Viaduct is really cool too.

[@LOLWAAHH]

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

[@obifox6356]

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

[@morganchilds9054]

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.

[@giacomog5216]

I could listen to him all day!

[@kathythompson9931]

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

[@dusty975]

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

[@aj_ingoglia_films]

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

[@BruinPhD2009]

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.

[@opalyankaBG]

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

[@larrysmith3389]

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.

[@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.❤

[@iahorvath]

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

[@cammiloh]

this guy is great!

[@jennadc4748]

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

[@alexanderclaylavin]

Got that Brooklyn Bridge feeling watching this. Thank you.

[@alberttross175]

This was terrific. Thanks!

[@j3434ful]

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]

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

[@WomenofWealthLuxury]

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

[@lesyankee6129]

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

[@IOAFan]

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.

[@caroldixon7796]

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

[@lmgtulsa]

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

[@ElusiveTy]

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

[@deborahdavis6801]

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

[@rachaelgoldman5846]

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

[@grillage2]

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

[@user-ov6tj9fh2o]

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

[@3321far]

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.

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

I was expecting to see the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge talked about. That bridge was an amazing feat of engineering.

[@CesarRivera-tg4fh]

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

[@paulinedudley9656]

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.

[@AndthenonedayIbecameanEXO-L]

I need more of your videos on whatever architecture topic. Seriously, love the way you describe it all.

[@juliacuthy]

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.

[@BradThePitts]

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]

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.

[@akinkie7638]

This series is fascinating and Mr. Wyetzner is such a great host! Thank you so much!

[@Annabelle194]

Thank you so much for your vivid descriptions, recognizing the era each bridge was in, and the difficulties that ensued. What remains is magnificent!

[@hozie22]

Excellent tutorial and overview.!! Please do more on NY bridges.

[@carolfreeman9773]

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.

[@kesschristopher]

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)

[@scpatl4now]

The Hellgate Bridge looks like a mini Sydney Harbor Bridge.

[@carlton2361]

He's carrying this channel. Absolutely goat

[@rgarlinyc]

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!

[@pavana2810]

So well researched. Appreciate all the before times photos and paintings. Thanks so much!

[@boxsterman77]

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.

[@jlimarzi]

GREAT SUMMARY!!!! Very well done!

[@pyroboi9401]

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

[@mauroeckhardt223]

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

[@gigih.9254]

Fascinating!! Love the history and engineering - all presented so interestingly by Mr. Wyetzner. Thanks!

[@HolyHubcap]

So glad you mentioned the high bridge. Very underrated

[@GCarnell]

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.

[@juliedeprez4457]

Great episode, so interesting - can't wait to come back to New York and go check these bridges out!

[@goliensan4136]

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

[@ricomichel]

Both informative and entertaining! Excellent content thanks Mr Wyetzner

[@julesperchet6704]

I'll never have enough videos about New York with this guy, he's amazing !

[@jules6731]

Love all of Michael’s videos!

[@lonebison]

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

[@nickgavis0305]

The way they built those bridges was wild

[@venusrising8649]

This was a fabulous post! Thank you Soooo much.

[@user-jc1kg4ss6n]

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

[@magicknight13]

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!

[@Cre-Art]

Great video. Thanks for all of the history behind these wonderful bridges-and a couple I'd never even heard of.

[@frankmenchaca9993]

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!

[@LSTEdD1]

Just found this channel! LOVE it!!

[@seanhallahan14]

Extremely well done!!! Thank you so much.

[@EtreTocsin]

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

[@paulgar8]

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

[@jordanlrice]

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

[@ThecrazyJH96]

How they set the foundation is crazy

[@stevengalloway8052]

Fascinating video! Thank you! 👏

[@joeybagadonuts5774]

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

[@zanepointon]

Great video. Would like to hear about the Verrazano, Triborough, Throgs Neck, Manhattan and Queensboro bridges next

[@thegadgetwizard]

Love your interesting videos. This was great!

[@allumiia]

thanks Mr.Wyetzner ! helped me learn so much more about new york.

[@the_resourceful]

Really dig your videos. Interesting bridge history! Well done.

[@jacobrath6247]

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.

[@guitarmainly]

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

[@silversurfer427]

Loved this, well done!!!

[@karinetyrrell1402]

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

[@NicotineRosberg]

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

[@rikabernar]

That's so interesting OMG. Thank you guys❤

[@DirtyTechnoBitch]

Thank you so much! The Verrazano was always my favorite.

[@dylan9025]

I'd love to see a follow up including the Triborough Bridge, the 59th st Bridge, and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge. Videos are engaging and wonderful, as always

[@brmnyc]

I would suggest videos about the two great bridge builders of New York City: Gustav Lindenthal and Othmar H. Amman. Between the two of them they built most of the iconic bridges after Roebling's Brooklyn Bridge.

[@laurentimko9834]

I love this guys videos! I always learn something new

[@ottawamountainman]

Brilliant. Thank you so much!

[@guapapod1302]

Thank You for this!

[@carolinemurray7648]

So fascinating! Thank you!

[@azeezoyewale3782]

Love the history & I appreciate the minds & the workforce behind these great big staples called bridges.