NEW YORK | Park Avenue Malls

[ChiND]

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/09/nyreg...nue-redesign.html?searchResultPosition=2

Does Anyone Want to Hang Out in the Middle of Park Avenue?
A glimpse at the future of one of Manhattan’s most famous streets — and a look at its history, from train tracks to illegal weed.


By Dodai Stewart
Sept. 9, 2024

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by RobEss

Mark my words - whenever the city does get around to maybe widening the medians in 2030, whoever is governor at that time will find a way to squash it. They always find a way to get their fingers into places they have no business being.

It would be fun to believe that NYC is capable of disabusing itself of car usage, but everything that has happened in the past 15+ years proves that it isn't.

Now that's just being dumb. Any one who's been to the city over the past decade can see how dramatically the city has changed the streets, especially in Manhattan where lanes and even whole streets have been taken over by plazas, bike lines, and mid-street parking. The more you speak on it, the more its clear you clearly don't know what's going on.

The MTA began its construction on the block of Park Avenue between East 47th and East 48th Street. That block will be the first along the avenue to feature a wider median when the street is restored as early as 2025.

[RobEss]

Originally Posted by NYguy

Any one who's been to the city over the past decade can see how dramatically the city has changed the streets...

Cosmetic changes aren't substantive, Jersey resident. If you actually used the streets here you'd know how close congestion pricing came to being a reality before Kathy pulled the plug. You'd know how poorly maintained the existing infrastructure is. You'd know how 'Vision Zero' became a failure of policy, with traffic deaths soaring. You'd know how the NYPD abuses the roads with impunity.

It's kinda hard to appreciate a pretty flowerpot in a reclaimed road when a Ford F-350 barrels through a red light without consequence right next to you.

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by RobEss

Cosmetic changes aren't substantive, Jersey resident. If you actually used the streets here you'd know how close congestion pricing came to being a reality before Kathy pulled the plug.

Ah, as you've already shown you don't know what you're talking about, you have to resort to personal attacks, themselves further proving you don't know what you're talking about. You lack even a clue. Best you stay out of this conversation than, and keep your ignorance to yourself.

[ChiND]

This would be nice! Hopefully, 42nd Street will follow the lead that 5th and Park are setting. I'd love to see this on all major, crosstown streets.

https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2024/05/22/opinion-we-need-a-miracle-on-42nd-street

https://act.transalt.org/a/miracle-on-42nd-street-redesign

[NYguy]

https://www.6sqft.com/nyc-taps-landscape-architect-to-reimagine-park-avenue/

NYC taps landscape architect to reimagine Park Avenue


By Aaron Ginsburg
June 27, 2025

New York City has selected a landscape architect to lead the pedestrian-focused transformation of Park Avenue. Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Thursday announced that an 18-month contract has been awarded to Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners to redesign a portion of the iconic corridor between East 46th and East 57th Streets. The project will widen the median and install pedestrian upgrades, new seating, landscaping, and innovative streetscape amenities.

This stretch of Park Avenue sits above the Grand Central Terminal train shed, which is currently undergoing a major capital rehabilitation led by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad. The above-ground revitalization will unfold in tandem with the infrastructure upgrades taking place below.

Rodriguez called the project a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the iconic corridor, highlighting the rare opportunity that the construction of the train shed provides.

“We are thrilled to put the ‘park’ back in Park Avenue with this transformative redesign of one of Manhattan’s most iconic streets,” Rodriguez said. “This is a unique opportunity to make Park Avenue greener, safer, and more pedestrian-friendly—while honoring the character that makes it one of New York City’s most recognizable streets.”

He continued: “With the ongoing reconstruction of the train shed, we have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reimagine this corridor for the next century, and we look forward to engaging with the community to bring this vision to life.”

The public engagement process marks the next major step in Park Avenue’s redesign. As part of its 18-month contract, Starr Whitehouse will work with the DOT to host a series of outreach events to gain input from New Yorkers, commuters, local businesses, and other stakeholders. This feedback will help shape the final design and ensure the project reflects the community’s needs.

The firm will use this feedback to develop a “kit of parts,” a customizable set of design elements like landscaping, seating, public art, and other pedestrian-focused amenities to integrate into the redesigned median.

Starr Whitehouse will also create conceptual plans for drainage, irrigation, and pedestrian safety measures, all of which will be included in a final report outlining the community-informed design guidelines.

The project is funded by the East Midtown Governing Group, established under the 2017 Greater East Midtown Rezoning. The rezoning created a framework requiring new commercial developments and transfers of development rights to contribute to nearby public realm improvements.

[ChiND]

That’s great news!

[NYguy]

https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-a...rships-rebuild-vital-grand-central-train

MTA Announces Major Public-Private Partnerships to Rebuild Vital Grand Central Train Shed

-JPMorganChase to Lead Reconstruction Between 46th & 50th Streets

-Vornado Realty Trust, Ken Griffin and Rudin to Lead Reconstruction Between 50th and 53rd Streets


Dec 16, 2025

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) along with JPMorganChase and Vornado today announced that they are advancing two major public-private partnerships to rebuild the Grand Central Train Shed, kickstarting a vital part of the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan.

The Grand Central Train Shed is the structure below Park Ave from 42 St to 57 St where trains entering the Terminal are sorted to passenger platforms. 98% of Metro-North trains transit the Train Shed on a daily basis. Decades of water, chemical and salt infiltration from streets above have significantly deteriorated the concrete and steel beams that hold up Park Avenue and some of the most valuable real estate in the world above MTA’s infrastructure.

“The Grand Central Train Shed might be the most important piece of MTA infrastructure you’ve never heard of, and it’s been slowly deteriorating for decades,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “This partnership is rebuilding and restoring this essential infrastructure on a faster timeline and at a lower cost to the public – a win for all involved.”

“Through innovative public-private partnerships, we’re rebuilding the essential Grand Central Train Shed better, faster, and cheaper,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “In partnership with JPMorganChase and Vornado, we are maximizing the reach of every dollar invested while minimizing the impact to our riders and the public in Midtown East.”

“New York City has been our home for more than 225 years, and JPMorganChase is proud to help strengthen the infrastructure that supports the Midtown community and to improve the public realm,” said David Beck, Chief Administrative Officer at JPMorganChase. “Public-private partnerships like this are essential to ensuring the city’s continued growth and resilience. Together with our partners, we are building a stronger foundation for future generations of New Yorkers.”

“With 350 Park Avenue anchored by Citadel and Citadel Securities, along with our neighbor 270 Park, Park Avenue in Midtown East continues to emerge as one of the world's leading business corridors," said Barry Langer, Executive Vice President of Vornado Realty Trust. "Our partnership with the MTA on this essential rebuilding of the Grand Central Train Shed underscores the impact of innovative public-private partnerships and will benefit the entire regional economy. We're grateful to the MTA for our partnership and look forward to continuing our work with them as construction of 350 Park gets underway next year."

This announcement builds on the successful public-private partnership undertaken by MTA and JPMorganChase that saw Sector 1 of the Trainshed reconstructed in conjunction with JPMC’s reconstructed headquarters at 270 Park. Sector 1 included the area immediately adjacent to 270 Park, including the west side of Park Avenue between East 47 and East 48 Streets and the side streets themselves. Thanks to seamless integration between the building construction and the Train Shed work and efficient partnership in management, the project came in $20 million under budget and is on track for substantial completion by the end of 2026.

Continuing the partnership, JPMorganChase will now manage reconstruction of Sector 2 of the Train Shed work, running from East 46 St to East 50 St. In addition to managing the day-to-day construction, JPMC will contribute $50 million to support the work, a recognition of the immense value that Metro-North service below and a vibrant public realm at street level create for Midtown East.

In a new public-private partnership, Vornado will play a similar role for Sector 3 of the Train Shed work, running from East 50 St to East 53 St. This work will be undertaken in coordination with Vornado Realty Trust, Ken Griffin and Rudin’s reconstruction of 350 Park Avenue, which received rezoning approval earlier this year and is expected to enter construction starting in 2026. For its part, the 350 Park project will be contributing $25 million in addition to Vornado managing day-to-day construction activities as JPMC has.

In addition to the vital state of good repair work for the Train Shed, this project will also revitalize the public realm through the reconstruction of the Park Avenue Malls that run in the center of the avenue. The New York City Department of Transportation is leading the design effort for the new malls, which will be constructed as part of these projects.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mtaphotos/54988487993/sizes/l/

[ChiND]

[ChiND]

https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/park-ave-vision-cb6-jan2026.pdf

[NYguy]

A good look at the current Skyscraper Museum exhibit on the evolution of Park Avenue....


https://skyscraper.org/the-invention-of-park-avenue/timeline/

[ChiND]

This looks great. I prefer the version without the bike lanes. Pedestrian space should have priority. Also, having to traverse hazardous bike lanes to access the pedestrian area would be an anathema.





https://nypost.com/2026/04/29/us-news/do...ing-busy-roads-into-pedestrian-paradise/



https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2...sign-concepts-to-put-the--park--back-in-

[NYguy]

Looking forward to this.


https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-mayor-zohran...ian-expansion-project-concepts/18996859/

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the NYC DOT are unveiling potential redesigns that seek to revitalize and beautify Park Avenue while improving safety for the community.

A redesign was proposed years ago and would transform the avenue between East 46th Street and East 57th Street, with the aim of making the space greener and safer for all.

The redesign aims to balance the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. It would remove one travel lane in each direction, expanding medians to accommodate seating, plantings and other pedestrian and cycling amenities. This includes bike lanes and other street features.

”We are putting the 'Park' back into Park Avenue and upgrading Midtown Manhattan by providing residents and visitors alike with more usable public space," said Mayor Mamdani.

“Our city's public spaces must better serve the public, and my administration has made this a priority through bold infrastructure investments and street redesigns ... we will ensure that New York City's streets are the envy of the world," he added.

As the MTA strives to waterproof and replace sections of the shed structure, Mamdani's administration is looking to take advantage of the moment by redefining the public space above.

New York City is also seeking community input to shape decision making.

"By upgrading the medians and seating, Park Avenue will finally, truly belong to the public. The Mamdani Administration will keep pushing to make our streets safer and more accessible for all New Yorkers," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson.

Upcoming Outreach

NYC DOT will host public events to gather feedback:

Wednesday, April 29, 2026
12-2 p.m.
- Lever House (54th Street & Park Avenue)
- 425 Park Avenue (56th Street & Park Avenue)

5-7 p.m. (Rain date is Thursday, April 30 from 5-7 p.m.)
- Lever House (54th Street & Park Avenue)
- 277 Park Ave (47th Street & Park Avenue)

Saturday, May 2, 2026
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- St. Bartholomew's Church (50th Street & Park Avenue)

Community Board Meetings
Manhattan Community Board 6: May 4, 2026, 7 p.m. (virtual)
Manhattan Community Board 5: May 28, 2026 (details forthcoming)

[NYguy]

• Video Link


• Video Link

[MAC123]

Love it. Slightly prefer the bike lane option but either is great. Sitting here on Park Avenue in the 2030s after all the projects are done will be a site to behold.

[ChiND]

Originally Posted by MAC123

Love it. Slightly prefer the bike lane option but either is great. Sitting here on Park Avenue in the 2030s after all the projects are done will be a site to behold.

I agree. Don’t forget the Fifth Avenue redesign. That’s going to be amazing too!

[Busy Bee]

Bumping this old 1920's photo seems appropriate...


___

[UrbanImpact]

Originally Posted by Busy Bee

Bumping this old 1920's photo seems appropriate...

Beautiful!