Mayor Adams to revitalize Park Avenue with green spaces, safer crossings

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have announced a transformative initiative aimed at putting the “park” back in Park Avenue, specifically between East 46th Street and East 57th Street.

This ambitious plan introduces greenery, public seating, concessions, and safer pedestrian crossings, marking a significant step towards enhancing the urban landscape of Midtown Manhattan.

The city has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a cohesive design vision for this area, which sits atop the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed currently undergoing major rehabilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

“High-quality public spaces aren’t just a luxury — they’re a necessity, and they’re a vital component of our vision to revitalize commercial corridors like Midtown and build a safer, more affordable, better city for all New Yorkers,” stated Mayor Adams.

He emphasized that the project will ensure that the Park Avenue above ground, once the MTA completes its underground work, will be better than ever, providing more space for people to enjoy the vibrant city.

First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright added, “We are seizing the opportunity to make transformative changes to ensure New York City is the place where people want to be. The Park Avenue redesign exemplifies investments we are making not only to enhance our public realm but to help reshape business districts into even more livable neighborhoods that attract businesses and workers and generate economic growth that benefits all New Yorkers.”

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the MTA’s underground work, saying, “As the MTA works underground to shore up our train infrastructure, we are taking this unique moment to make the vital artery, Park Avenue, a destination. Lighting, furniture, and concessions will create more of the vibrant space New Yorkers love and deserve.”

“This important project along Park Avenue — one of the world’s great thoroughfares — exemplifies the bright future for Midtown Manhattan by bringing beautiful open space, housing, and culture next to modern offices,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer.

DOT Commissioner Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re putting the ‘park’ back in Park Avenue! This project will transform this iconic stretch of Manhattan’s Park Avenue by adding greenery and making important safety improvements. The Adams administration continues to reimagine public space in record ways.”

Dan Garodnick, Director of the New York City Department of City Planning, noted that funds from private development will support the goal of a greener and safer Park Avenue, emphasizing, “The East Midtown Rezoning continues to deliver for the public.”

Thomas Foley, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction, remarked on the administration’s approach: “This administration is transforming urban space and finding opportunities to create safer, calmer, and quieter places within our streetscape. We look forward to continuing to partner with DOT and the East Midtown Governing Group to implement positive upgrades to this community.”

“Collaborating with sister agencies to enhance our green spaces is a cornerstone of our commitment to New Yorkers,” said Sue Donoghue, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. She stated that reimagining Park Avenue builds on the administration’s efforts to enhance public safety and develop exceptional public spaces in Midtown.

Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu added, “As a city, we understand the importance of creating more green and vibrant corridors across the whole city. Investing in the redesigns of Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue continues to show progress in our commitment to improve the connectivity and feel of neighborhoods where we live, work, and play.”

B.J. Jones, Executive Director of the “New” New York Panel, noted that reimagining Park Avenue supports recommendations aimed at reshaping business districts. “This effort joins Broadway Vision, the redesign of Fifth Avenue, and more to make Midtown an inviting, pedestrian-friendly global center of commerce,” he said.

MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer emphasized the collaborative effort, stating, “This is a great example of collaboration across levels of government leading to a more efficient process and a better result for the public.”

The current rehabilitation of the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, which spans from East 46th Street to East 57th Street, is set to address critical infrastructure needs while enhancing Park Avenue. As the MTA completes its work, the avenue will be restored with an expanded median featuring landscaping and seating. The redesign aims to enhance public space, promote sustainable transit options, and foster community among residents and visitors. The initial phase of construction is already underway, with plans for a wider median to debut as early as 2025.

Through the RFP process, the DOT is seeking a contractor skilled in landscape architecture or urban design to help fill in the wider median with pedestrian enhancements, cycling infrastructure, landscaping, and innovative streetscape amenities. The selected design team will collaborate with various agencies and engage local stakeholders to develop concepts that meet community needs.

The RFP builds on DOT’s public engagement initiative that began in 2020, which included an online visioning survey that garnered over 1,700 responses, with the majority supporting a redesign of Park Avenue. Funding for the RFP comes from the East Midtown Governing Group, established as part of the 2017 Greater East Midtown Rezoning, which mandates contributions to public realm improvements.

U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler praised the announcement, stating, “I applaud today’s announcement of a transformational redesign of Park Avenue that will add new public spaces in one of Manhattan’s most congested corridors.” New York State Senator Liz Krueger echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the project’s potential to improve foot traffic and introduce much-needed green space.

Assemblymember Alex Bores highlighted the opportunity for enhanced pedestrian-friendliness, while Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine expressed hope for a safer, more sustainable boulevard for all.

City Councilmember Keith Powers emphasized the significance of the process: “Today, we take a significant step forward in reimagining midtown Manhattan,” he said, adding that he looks forward to working closely with relevant agencies.

Rob Brynes, President of the East Midtown Partnership, celebrated the city’s efforts to enhance green spaces, stating, “Midtown Manhattan is in desperate need of green space, and we’re thrilled that the City of New York is taking steps to address that by issuing this RFP.”

Fred Cerullo, President and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership, noted the ongoing dramatic changes to Park Avenue, adding, “the ground level experience is now also being reimagined enhancing accessible open public space for Midtown East helping to put the PARK back in Park Avenue.”

Jason Froimowitz, Director of the East Midtown Public Realm Improvement Fund, expressed eagerness for the project, emphasizing its importance for the community. Meanwhile, Bradley Sherburne and Nancy Goshow from Manhattan Community Board 5 commended the collaborative approach to improving public space.

This initiative not only aims to revitalize Park Avenue but also aligns with broader efforts to create a world-class network of public space in Midtown, as recommended by the “New” New York Panel to rebuild New York City’s economy. With a focus on enhancing the public realm, this project promises to benefit both residents and visitors, fostering a vibrant and accessible urban environment.