Why is the FDR Drive Purple?

In the latest episode of the Untapped New York Podcast, Michelle
Young, author, journalist, and the founder of Untapped New York,
tracks down the answer to her latest burning question about New
York City: Why is the FDR Drive Purple? If you’ve been wondering
or…have yet to notice, prepare to have your mind blown. A lot of
myths abound, none of them true.


No, the New York State D.O.T. did not just happen to have a ton
of extra purple paint. It's also not inspired by the color of
someone's tie in New York City government. And the color choice
wasn't an accident but how it looks today is not how it was
intended.  


To get down to the root of it, Michelle went to the source and
interviewed Gregg Pasquarelli, founding partner at ShoP
Architects and Cathy Jones, project director at SHoP, who
designed the Master Plan for the East River Waterfront. They have
the definitive answer on the unusual pastel color choice, and
also what has gone wrong. The trio also spoke about all things
FDR Drive—including all the films that have been shot there.


If you love to go behind the scenes and into NYC's' most hidden
and secret places, you should jump onto some of our most exciting
tours like the Gilded Age Mansions of Fifth Avenue, the Secrets
of Grand Central, or our Underground Subway Tour. And if you're a
real hard core New Yorker, join our Untapped New York Insiders
program for access to the most off limits places with curated
behind-the-scenes events on a weekly basis.