The Man Who Built a City in His Sleep | Durham News

For over two decades, truck driver Joe Macken built a sprawling, heartfelt scale model of New York City using balsa wood and foam board — featuring 800,000 structures, landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and personal favorites like his childhood diner. When his daughter posted clips on TikTok, it went viral with 10 million views in a week, landing him an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York called “He Built This City.” Inspired by a childhood trip and fueled by obsession, Macken’s model reflects his emotional connection to the city — including both historic and personal touches. Though the exhibit ends in October, he’s already planning to expand into New Jersey and Long Island, proving his passion is far from finished.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wral.com/news/ap/7e05b-a-truck-driver-built-a-model-of-nyc-with-over-800-000-structures-for-fun-now-its-a-museum-exhibit/

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