With the goal of moving forward to transform Fifth Avenue into a safer and less congested boulevard, New York authorities have unveiled a project to bring Park Avenue back to life.
Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced a major step toward returning the park on Park Avenue between East 46th Street and East 57th Street to greenery, public seating, concessions and safer pedestrian crossings.
The city on Tuesday released a proposal (RFP) to help develop a cohesive design vision for that portion of Park Avenue, which sits atop the Grand Central Terminal train shed, which is currently undergoing a major capital rehabilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad.
The ambitious project is expected to result in a less congested, pedestrian-focused hub, as well as other public realm plans in commercial corridors throughout the city.
A necessity
“High-quality public spaces are not just a luxury, they are a necessity and a vital component of our vision to revitalize commercial corridors like Midtown and build a better, safer, more affordable city for all New Yorkers,” Mayor Adams said of The Park. “Our ambitious project will ensure that as the MTA completes its underground structural work, Park Avenue will be back at its peak better than ever, with more space for people to enjoy the greatest city in the world.”
“We’re putting the ‘park’ back on Park Avenue! This project will transform this iconic stretch of Manhattan’s Park Avenue by adding greenery and making significant safety improvements. The Adams Administration continues to reimagine public space in record-breaking ways,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This street redesign is a key piece of a new vision for East Midtown, and we look forward to identifying a partner to make this vision a reality.”
Currently, the City of New York and the MTA are rehabilitating and repairing the Grand Central Terminal train shed, which extends from Grand Central Terminal to East 57th Street. This renovation will address critical infrastructure needs by replacing the train shed roof and waterproofing membrane, while also improving Park Avenue, which sits above the train shed and will be removed and reconstructed in stages as underground work progresses.
When Park Avenue is complete, the redesign will enhance public space, promote sustainable transportation options and foster community among residents and visitors. The MTA has begun construction on the block of Park Avenue between East 47th and East 48th Street. That will be the first block along the avenue to feature a wider median when the street is restored.
Public space network
The Park Avenue redesign will be an important next step in the effort to create a world-class public space network in Midtown, as recommended by the “New” New York Panel to Rebuild New York City’s Economy and as outlined in the “Making New York Work for All” Action Plan. It builds on other initiatives including the expansion of the Broadway Vision Plan, the launch of the Fifth Avenue redesign, the opening of Plaza33 at Penn Station, a new agreement to support the replacement and expansion of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and more.
“Collaborating with sister agencies to enhance our green spaces is a cornerstone of our commitment to New Yorkers. This synergy allows us to create vibrant, accessible environments that enrich the lives of all residents, promote community well-being, and maintain the natural beauty of our city,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.
“As a city, we understand the importance of creating greener, more vibrant corridors throughout the city,” said Public Realm Director Ya-Ting Liu. “The investment in the Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue redesigns continues to show progress in our commitment to improving the connectivity and feel of the neighborhoods where we live, work and play.”