Construction of the NYSP observation towers, 1963. The cantilevers on tower 1 are already in place. The crossarm
support beams for the elevators are being installed on tower 3 as it rises past the tower 2 mark.(notice the open doorway which will eventually lead to the deck of the then-yet to be constructed tower 2) Photo courtesy PTU
The three observation towers of the NYSP were designed for specific purposes.
Tower 1 is the shortest, at 85'. During the World's Fair, it served as the VIP lounge and observation deck.
The tower was enclosed with glass walls and had climate control, bathrooms, and a kitchen. It was lavishly appointed with carpeting and comfortable sofas, and was equiped with a small kitchen and bar. Sliding glass doors opened onto the outer balcony, which offered views of both the fairgrounds and the interior of the Tent of Tomorrow.
Tower 2 is the middle tower, with a height of 181'. It was originally intended to be a cafeteria during the
Fair, but remained vacant and unused. The only known use tower 2 ever saw was for the location filming
of an episode of "McCloud" in the early 1970's.
The McCloud episode also saw extensive footage filmed on the
abandoned VIP platform.
At 226', the double platformed Tower 3 is the tallest and was the observation tower used by the Fair's
many visitors.
Guests exited the SkyStreak elevator on the lower level then ascended a narrow stairwell to reach the top level.
This stairwell, still visible from the ground when viewing the tower from the south, gave
a vertigo inducing view over the side to guests walking back down from the upper level.
The towers were serviced with two innovative "Sky Streak" capsule elevators, patented by the Otis Elevator Co.
Elevator 1 was an express elevator that carried visitors straight up the tower to the lower level of tower 3.
Elevator 2 stopped at all three towers.
Upper Level, Tower 3.
Lower Level, Tower 3
The views from the NYSP observation tower were (and no doubt still are) nothing less than magnificent. Randy Treadway
Randy Treadway
Randy Treadway
Bill Cotter
The Towers Today
A Modern Ruin PTU
The VIP deck (Tower 1) PTU
Remants of the sliding glass doors can still be seen on this section of the VIP deck. Notice the view
into the Tent of Tomorrow. This area in the deck originally housed rest rooms, the kitchen, bar, and
buffet area. PTU
The once proud SkyStreak elevators are ruined beyond repair. The "local" elevator has sat parked
midway up tower 3 since the early 1970's, and is slowly falling apart.
Photos by Johnny
The "Express" elevator has suffered a more expedited fate. Parked in the basement level of it's track since
the early 1970's, it has been smashed to pieces by vandals. Photo by Johnny
Unusable stairwell inside Tower 2 PTU
Unlike the adjacent Tent of Tomorrow, which sits on wooden pilings of questionable integrity, the Towers
sit sure footed on concrete tube pilings. The towers and observation platforms are structurally sound, although in
severe need of cosmetic reinforcement.
Of course the elevators and stairwells would need to be completely replaced, but for the one of a kind view of the
5 boroughs of NYC, and spectacular views of the Billie Jean Tennis Center and FMCP itself, it would be well worth the investment to restore this historical place. It would most certainly become a natural tourist destination.
