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. 20% off yearly membership at 

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. 20% off yearly membership at