NYC is Full of Fake Buildings… Why?

Summary

This intriguing exploration reveals New York City's hidden 'fake' buildings, designed for secretive functions. From the unassuming townhouse at 58 Jaman Street, serving as a subway ventilation shaft, to the eerie Streker Memorial Laboratory on Roosevelt Island, each structure holds a mysterious past. The narrative highlights the Holland Tunnel's ventilation towers, leading to the imposing 33 Thomas Street, rumored to be a mass surveillance hub. With a mix of history, architecture, and conspiracy theories, the video invites viewers to ponder the secrets lurking behind these facades in one of the world's busiest cities.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The building at 58 Jaman Street is a fake facade hiding a subway ventilation shaft, constructed in 1847 and later used for subway ventilation.
• 🚇 The subway runs directly underneath this building, which was repurposed in 1907 by the INB Rapid Transit company.
• 🌌 There are many stories surrounding the building, including tales of secret passages, hauntings, and government activities.
• 👻 The Streker Memorial Laboratory on Roosevelt Island was an actual biolab until the 1950s, known for bacteriological research.
• ⚡ The laboratory is now a power conversion substation for the subway trains, demonstrating the building's transformation over time.
• 🛠️ The fake building at Pier 34 is designed to conceal ventilation systems for the Holland Tunnel, which lies directly beneath it.
• 🚧 The Holland Tunnel's construction in the early 20th century was considered a remarkable engineering feat, requiring ventilation to handle exhaust fumes.
• 🕵️ The building at Mulry Square, owned by the MTA, is criticized for its lack of aesthetic integration with the surrounding area.
• 🏢 33 Thomas Street is a 550 ft tall skyscraper known for its lack of windows and heavy security, believed to house an NSA surveillance hub.
• 🔒 The building is equipped to sustain 1,500 people for two weeks, leading to speculation about its use as a doomsday bunker.

Q & A

What is the significance of 58 Jaman Street?

58 Jaman Street is a building in New York City that serves as a ventilation shaft for the subway system. Originally constructed as a private residence in 1847, it was purchased in 1907 by the INB Rapid Transit company to facilitate air circulation for the subway running beneath it.

What stories are associated with 58 Jaman Street?

There are various stories about 58 Jaman Street, including claims that it is a secret passageway, an escape route, or even haunted. Its mysterious appearance and blacked-out windows add to the intrigue.

What was the purpose of the Streker Memorial Laboratory?

The Streker Memorial Laboratory, located on Roosevelt Island, was built in 1892 for bacteriological research. It was operational until the 1950s and is now repurposed as a power conversion substation for the subway.

How does the Holland Tunnel ventilation system work?

The ventilation system for the Holland Tunnel consists of fake buildings located on Pier 34, which house massive fans that force air into and out of the tunnel. This system is crucial for maintaining air quality for the 100,000 cars that enter Manhattan daily.

What is unique about 33 Thomas Street?

33 Thomas Street is a towering skyscraper with no windows, owned by AT&T. It is known for its high security and is rumored to serve as a mass surveillance hub for the NSA, with enough supplies to sustain 1,500 people for two weeks.

Why are some buildings in New York designed to look 'fake'?

Some buildings are designed to look 'fake' to blend in with their surroundings and minimize any negative impact on property values. They often serve essential functions, such as ventilation for subways or other infrastructure.

What architectural style is used for 33 Thomas Street?

33 Thomas Street features the brutalist architectural style, characterized by its massive, imposing structure and lack of windows, giving it a fortress-like appearance.

What role did the INB Rapid Transit company play in the history of 58 Jaman Street?

The INB Rapid Transit company purchased 58 Jaman Street in 1907 to use it as a ventilation shaft for the subway tunnels they operated, significantly altering its original residential function.

What type of research was conducted at the Streker Memorial Laboratory?

The Streker Memorial Laboratory engaged in bacteriological research, which included studies related to infectious diseases and potentially hazardous biological materials.

What does the narrator imply about the safety measures of 33 Thomas Street?

The narrator suggests that 33 Thomas Street is extremely secure, designed to withstand disasters such as nuclear blasts, and equipped with features like dark-tinted windows and a large retaining wall, hinting at its use as a secretive government facility.