Latest news with #HudsonYards'


Fast Company
25-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The office isn't just a space anymore. It's a strategy to attract talent
Post-pandemic, flexible work models were meant to deliver the best of both worlds: freedom and fluidity without losing the spark of in-person collaboration. As the pendulum swings back toward on-site work, companies still need to compete for top-tier talent —notably in tech. But increasingly, they also need to convince those people to come back to the office. It's not enough to offer a desk and a decent coffee machine. The office has become something more symbolic: a reason to believe. A space that reflects your company's intent and identity. That's why commercial real estate, once just a line item on the P&L, is quietly becoming a talent brand platform. And if you think that's an exaggeration, look at the competition happening right now at the high end of the office and mixed-use market. Despite a general oversupply of space and an ongoing shift to remote work, premium buildings are still in demand in prime markets such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. That's because they're delivering more than square footage. They're transforming the workplace into a cultural and connective experience—a choice, rather than a mandate. The talent mandate driving the real estate competition Before the pandemic, Class A developers were already beginning to differentiate through design and lifestyle. But post-pandemic, the stakes have risen. At the top of the market, the most successful commercial real estate developers are now acting more like boutique hospitality brands. They're curating experiences, designing for well-being, and programming spaces in ways that resonate with a workforce that values autonomy, connection, and purpose. Look no further than Hudson Yards' promise of 'connected community,' or Brookfield Properties' (owner of New York's Brookfield Place and London's 100 Bishopsgate), mission to create 'new ways to work.' In our work with clients like Tishman Speyer and SL Green, we've seen firsthand how a hospitality mindset long central to hotels and resorts is being used to reposition commercial spaces as magnets for talent. These are no longer passive shells for work; they're active tools in the battle for culture, collaboration, and competitive advantage. The imperative isn't just to create 'high-end' offices. It's to build environments that help companies recruit the best people and inspire them to come together in person. That means more than adding rooftop gardens or wellness studios (though those help). It's about the story those elements tell—and how they connect to a deeper promise about work, life, and belonging. From asset to experience Take The Spiral in New York, a Tishman Speyer property designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. Its terraced, corkscrew architecture connects every floor to outdoor green space, a vertical extension of the High Line that literally winds nature up the building. This isn't just a design flourish; it's a signal of fresh air, light, openness that tells employees: 'You'll be well here.' Or Morgan North, another Tishman Speyer project we collaborated on, where a multi-acre rooftop park atop a historic post office delivers an unexpected sense of calm and retreat in the heart of Manhattan. These aren't gimmicks, but curatorial decisions meant to align with the values of the people companies want to hire: wellness, connection, inspiration. At One Madison, developed by SL Green, that narrative continues with a rooftop French garden, luxury fitness from Chelsea Piers, and culinary offerings from chef Daniel Boulud. There's even an exclusive tenant-only amenities floor. This isn't just where people work; it's a place they want to be. Why space is a dimension of brand Real estate branding has been seen as ephemeral; temporary campaigns to lease up space. But this new era demands something more permanent, more intentional. When done right, the brand of a place becomes part of the product itself. It doesn't fade once the building's full. It lives on in the daily experience of the people inside. And that's where hospitality becomes essential. Not in a superficial sense, but in how you curate and program a space to say something meaningful. In many ways, it's less about branding as communications, and more about creating an environment that signals what kind of company you are, and what kind of people will thrive there. In this context, hospitality is no longer a metaphor, it's a method. It means thinking about your office as a host would a guest: What do they need? How do we make them feel welcome, inspired, and cared for? But what's the ROI? We're often asked: Does this really make people more productive? How do we justify this level of investment in the workplace experience? The short answer is: the best spaces don't distract, they create tangible operational leverage. When employees can walk in a park, work from a lounge, eat world-class food, or exercise without leaving the building, they're more productive, more loyal, more connected, and more likely to return. More importantly, these spaces send a signal to current and prospective employees. They say: 'We value your experience. We want you to do your best work, and enjoy your life while doing it.' That's a powerful competitive edge, especially when top talent is scarce and expectations are high. What founders should be asking If you're a founder or people leader, the question isn't 'How much space do we need and what well-being perks can we offer?' It's 'What kind of experience are we creating, and what does that say about who we are?' The office, in this light, becomes a key pillar of your employer brand, not a backdrop, but a stage. One that helps you tell your story and helps your people to live it. And when that's done well, it's not just employees, present and future, who notice. Investors, clients, and collaborators do, too. In the most effective developments, brand doesn't just show up in a name or a logo. It informs the entire user experience, just as it would in a top-tier hotel or entertainment venue. From the lobby to the lounge, from fitness to food, every detail becomes a chapter in a larger story. So, if your real estate is still telling a story about 'available space,' you're already behind. The next wave of workplaces is telling a different story, about purpose, energy, community, and care. That's the kind of story the best talent wants to be part of.


New York Post
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
A song and a dance: Keep the kids happy at age-appropriate concerts
With my thigh stretched at an ungodly angle in physical therapy the other week, my trainer told me about her quest to grab tickets for her daughter and herself to attend a 'baby rave' in NYC to the mellifluous tunes of EDM. 'That's a thing?' I thought. Five weeks into motherhood and I have learned that not only are kiddie concerts, in fact, a thing, but this blessed city and its environs have musical entertainment of all stripes in spades this summer. Here, a snapshot of just some of the best in the tristate. Mozart for munchkins 6 Enjoy free jazz and classical for kids at Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens this summer. Courtesy of Hudson Yards Take kiddos of all ages to Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens for classical and jazz jams: Classic(al) Cartoons! (June 21), Sounds of Summer (July 19), Cool Jazz (Aug. 16), Groove & Move (Sept. 20). This comes courtesy of Hudson Yards' season of free outdoor programming at Backyard at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo. The interactive performances showcase everything from jazzy scatting to animated characters as musical melodies, often played by talent from esteemed orchestras and Broadway shows. 11th Avenue between 30th and 32nd streets. RSVP at Hudson Yards New York Peace out About 2½ hours from Manhattan, you'll find the idyllic Catskill town of Bethel, home of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (200 Hurd Road), also notable as the home of the iconic 1969 Woodstock music festival. This summer, families can soak up the sounds of the Rock and Roll Playhouse (June 21, July 19 and Aug. 9), geared toward kids ages 10 and under and performing the hits of The Beatles, David Bowie and other musical giants. 6 Kids could teach all of us about having a summer of love at Bethel's Rock and Roll Playhouse. Part of a nationwide tour, the shows are part of Bethel's Family Concert Series, with ticket prices on a 'pay what you can' model, starting at $5. Or, on July 6, check out popular children's music brand Kidz Bop's live show. Lawn and pavilion seats start at $42, or you can try to snag a '$30 Ticket to Summer' lawn seat, part of a Live Nation promotion. All in the family On July 12, swing by Lower Manhattan's Perelman Performing Arts Center (251 Fulton St.) for the first annual Family Day. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the indoor and outdoor bonanza will delight and distract kids with music, workshops, dance battles, 'creation stations' and more. FYI: Head to PAC NYC through June 28 for its Free Music programming, which has a diverse roster of artists on the lobby stage. Yellow brick road You may already have heard of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, established in 1979 and billing itself as the longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival in the city. But now you know you'll need to round up the crew come July 26 for an outdoor screening of 'The Wiz,' in honor of the late Quincy Jones. Taking place at the Lena Horne Bandshell (141 Prospect Park West, near 10th Street) at 7 p.m., make sure everyone dons their finest 'Wizard of Oz'-inspired frocks as you and your loved ones savor the beloved film soundtrack. 6 Children attending a kiddie concert at Hudson Yards. Courtesy of Hudson Yards Jammin' Nutmeg State folks, take note. Starting on June 18, the Sherman Green Gazebo (451 Post Road, Fairfield, Conn.) will host free family-friendly Peanut Butter Jam concerts from 10:15 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. Kids can dance, sing, smile (and hopefully not hissy fit) to their hearts' content accompanied by live music. The shows run through July 30 and include Steve Elci and Friends, Benny Mikula aka the Lone Gnome and other Raffi-channeling minstrels. Sweet deal Sugar, Sugar! Festival in Domino Park in Williamsburg (12 South Third St.) is a novel performing arts series that kicked off on June 4. Events run through the month until Saturday and are totally free to attend. While the lineup extends beyond music (theater, dance, comedy and puppetry will all be in the rotation), many are kid-friendly and incorporate musical elements. Casino royale 6 Swap chips for chops (the guitar type) at Mohegan Sun this summer. Courtesy of Mohegan Sun Are Mom and Dad in need of a little getaway? Always. Hop in a car (or an Amtrak) and head 130 miles northeast to Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., this summer (1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.). Sun Patio outdoor concerts are slated for select Saturdays through Sept. 6. While the acts aren't explicitly for young ones, you can bop around with your older kids to former '90s dreamboats Hanson and fan favorite the Roots. Tickets start at $15, and you can make your offspring feel extra special and mature with VIP upgrades like firepit seating and mocktails. Field of dreams 6 Westchester is home to all things pleasant come mid-July. Courtesy of Pleasantville Music Festival 6 Take kiddos of all ages to Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens for classical and jazz jams: Classic(al) Cartoons! (June 21), Sounds of Summer (July 19), Cool Jazz (Aug. 16), Groove & Move (Sept. 20). Courtesy of Hudson Yards Head to Westchester on July 12 for the Pleasantville Music Festival, a fun-filled, daylong bash at Parkway Field. Now in its 19th year, 2025's fête is provided by Northwell Health and headlined by Dawes. Along with other must-see acts, like Robert Randolph & Friends and the Grateful Dead all-female tribute band Brown Eyed Women, the Chill Tent Stage will host musicians from the Rock and Roll Playhouse performing the works of Taylor Swift and other contemporary artists. Dubbed New York's Backyard Jam, the event also has food trucks, a beer and wine garden, activities for kids and much more. 48 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, NY. $75 for adults, $55 for seniors and students ages 10 to 21. Free for kids under 10
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New York's 30 Hudson Yards Is A Towering Testament To Kryton International's Innovative Concrete Waterproofing Solutions
Once scrutinized for its flood-prone location, 8th tallest U.S. building's foundation is watertight NEW YORK, NY / / February 6, 2025 / The now iconic 30 Hudson Yards-the crown jewel of New York's $25-billion Hudson Yards megaproject-is widely recognized for its futuristic architecture that famously reshaped Manhattan's skyline. Six years after the 103-story office tower opened, Kryton International points out that one of the project's most enduring feats exists in an unseen location. Kryton, a global leader in developing cutting-edge advancements in protecting concrete from water's corrosive effects, assisted architects and engineers in solving a critical underground challenge long before the skyscraper began its vertical ascent to eventually pass the Empire State Building as the 8th tallest U.S. building. The building is in a 100-year flood plain above a working rail yard, which would be active throughout construction and revealed visual evidence of the water infiltration's corrosive effect on concrete. The structure's below-grade foundation, which was already a significant engineering challenge, would have to be 100% watertight for the life of the building. All architectural triumphs, noted Kryton Vice President for Product Development Kevin Yuers, require three things: great design, quality materials and workmanship. That formula is how Hudson Yards' subterranean infrastructure, for which Kryton's materials were critical, maintains stability, resilience and sustainability to the inhospitable building site. "Most opinions of 30 Hudson Yards' architecture are formed by looking up, but design excellence also lies beneath our feet," Yuers said. "The innovation that occurred below the surface was a masterful combination of design, materials, and skilled workmanship that was as much a window to the future as the tower's striking presence in the New York skyline. Though Kryton has been part of major developments in 50 countries, this project spotlighted the critical role of waterproofing technology in the future of construction." Indeed, Kryton's concrete waterproofing solutions are part of many globally-recognized developments - including construction of the new World Trade Center - but nothing has attracted the public spotlight quite like 30 Hudson Yards' underground challenges. The 2012 groundbreaking ceremony was just three months after Hurricane Sandy devastated New York City with catastrophic flooding. The storm underscored the critical importance of protecting foundations from saltwater intrusion. "Hurricane Sandy was a glaring worst-case scenario of the devastating potential of saltwater flooding, which has a destructive impact on the stability and durability of exposed concrete structures," said Yuers, noting that concrete is the world's second most-used substance after water. "This very real threat reinforced the importance and availability of materials that can keep foundations 100% watertight for a building's entire service life." In anticipation of 30 Hudson Yards eventual status as Manhattan's premier office property for Fortune 500 tenants, flawless structural integrity, durability and long-term sustainability of the foundation was among many non-negotiable expectations. To meet the rigorous demands of this project, architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and building envelope consultant Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. selected Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane™ (KIM®) as the waterproofing solution for the below-grade foundation. The KIM system was applied to key areas including the base slab, elevator pits, flood retention tank, and Amtrak's underground wheel truer facility. Kryton's Krystol T1® was applied to both new and preexisting foundation walls, retail podium slab, and the machine room. Krytonite Swelling Waterstop and Krystol Waterstop Treatment formed watertight construction joints. This was critical where old and new concrete meet, which can be particularly leak prone. The Krystol technology enables concrete to self-seal cracks and block water indefinitely, while Krytonite Waterstop's compression sealing power is four times greater than conventional methods to ensure long-lasting prevention against water intrusion. After six years, 30 Hudson Yards' foundation remains completely watertight-a testament to the reliable performance that Kryton products consistently deliver. As a result, they have become essential to a growing number of architects, engineers, and builders. "30 Hudson Yards has literally become a towering testimonial to our concrete technology's ability to extend the service life, safety and sustainability of concrete structures in even the most difficult conditions. The last six years have proven Kryton's value to a bigger audience," emphasized Alain Lok, Kryton Senior Business Manager, Northeast USA, who worked closely with the company's regional distributor, Dry Concrete CEO Greg Maugeri, to ensure project success. "Together with our partners at Dry Concrete, we supported 30 Hudson Yards as both manufacturer and distributor to provide a superior product, expertise and countless hours of support to make this project a success." Since its opening, the ambitious development has remained Manhattan's premier mixed-use property-attracting a tenant base of Fortune 500 companies and some of the most notable retailers-while commanding the city's highest office lease rates. The skyscraper achieved LEED Gold certification and earned the H. Bruce Russell Global Innovator's Award for its transformative workplace design and smart building environment. Its foundation is expected to remain watertight and corrosion free for generations. ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary Krystol® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. Contact Details Kryton InternationalLeeza Hoyt+1 310-343-3197llhoyt@ Company Website SOURCE: KRYTON View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio