Is This NYC’s Next Top Model?
For over two decades, Joe Macken has meticulously crafted a detailed 3D model of New York City, utilizing only balsa wood, Elmer’s glue, and a wealth of creativity. His extensive project recently gained viral attention through a TikTok video.
The completed diorama, which measures an impressive 30 feet wide and 50 feet long, includes nearly one million buildings across all five boroughs, including Staten Island, and touches parts of New Jersey, Westchester, and Long Island. “I just kept building and building,” said Macken, a 63-year-old truck driver. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would finish this entire thing.”
A Detailed Tribute
The astonishing detail of Macken’s creation is remarkable, featuring everything from the iconic row houses in Astoria, Queens, to the United Nations building and Central Park in Manhattan. The latter took him a full twelve years to complete each skyscraper meticulously. “If you look at mine from above Central Park, it looks just like the real thing,” he proudly stated.
His masterpiece has resonated with social media users, who praise him as a “living legend.” Many have urged NYC cultural institutions to consider showcasing his dedication to the city’s architecture. With over 12,000 comments online, one user described his work as “insanely impressive,” while the official TikTok account for YouTube emphasized the need for a museum display.
How It All Started
Macken, who originally hails from Middle Village, Queens, began this project as a hobby inspired by the Manhattan skyline visible from his childhood bedroom. He initiated the build in April 2004, working on one building each night, starting with the RCA building—or Rockefeller Center. Within two years, he successfully constructed the entire Midtown area, extending from the Empire State Building to the Hudson River and East River.
The complexity of building his model is complemented by the simplicity of the materials. He sourced basic supplies from a local craft store, opting for balsa wood as a lightweight yet robust option. His creative approach included using X-Acto knives, Elmer’s Glue, and standard acrylic paint to bring neighborhoods to life.
Time and Technique Evolution
Over the years, Macken developed his skills and found quicker methods to enhance productivity. He transitioned from constructing buildings individually to producing entire blocks from a single piece of wood, allowing for significant time savings. His workflow has improved to the point where a single 30-by-20-inch section, housing 1,500 to 2,000 homes, can be completed in just 12 to 15 hours.
Nevertheless, the architectural diversity of Manhattan required careful crafting of each skyscraper, with special attention to their various shapes. Even with time-saving techniques for the outer boroughs, central Manhattan’s intricate designs took considerable time and effort.
Balancing Life and Art
Macken juggles his monumental project alongside a busy life, working two jobs and managing a family. Whether delivering food during the week or driving luxury buses on weekends, he commits every spare minute to his model. “During any days off, I just build and build,” he shares. “Every minute of spare time I dedicate to this; it has added up over the years.”
The Future of the Project
Currently, showcasing his immense creation in a museum remains impractical due to its size. “Transporting it would take three days,” Macken lamented, noting the difficulty in finding a suitable display space. Nevertheless, he plans to expand upon his vision, with Minneapolis as his next target inspired by childhood memories of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Unlike NYC, he humorously predicts this smaller project will only take about two years to complete.
