Supremely Slender Supertalls: Billionaire’s Row

Janes Walk

Led By Matt Kauffmann

What is Billionaires’ Row—and how did it reshape the NYC skyline? On this walk, we’ll explore the rise of the city’s super-skinny skyscrapers along the 57th Street corridor and their dramatic impact on the skyline, streetscape, and public realm. We’ll unpack the architectural innovations that made these towers possible, how zoning laws shaped their form and why this stretch of Midtown became known as “Billionaires’ Row.” Along the way, we’ll consider the public and critical response to these striking additions to the cityscape.

This walk is sold out, but the waitlist is open.

Accessibility

The walk is approximately 2 miles and will take place entirely on paved sidewalks and park pathways. Most of the route is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though participants should be prepared for moderate walking and potential crowding, typical of Central Park and Midtown. We’ll begin near Wollman Rink in Central Park and end at Columbus Circle, both of which are accessible by multiple subway lines and have nearby CitiBike stations. Participants are welcome to join or leave at any point. We aim to keep a relaxed pace and create space for everyone to engage comfortably.

Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Saturday, May 3, 2025
9:00 AM
90 minutes

Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Advocacy, Art & Architecture
Language: English
Skyscrapers along 57th Street, Billionaire's Row, in Manhattan. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Itrytohelp32. Modifications: photo cropped.