Mayor Adams Launches Major Step To Put The “PARK” Back In Park Avenue

City Releases RFP to Redesign Park Avenue Between East 46th Street and East 57th Street, as Greener, Safer, More Welcoming Corridor

Our Breau

New York, NY

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have announced a major step to put the park back in Park Avenue between East 46th Street and East 57th Street by adding greenery, public seating, concessions, and safer crossings for pedestrians. The city released an RFP today to help develop a cohesive design vision for that portion of Park Avenue, which sits atop the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed — currently undergoing a major capital rehabilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s Metro-North Railroad. This effort comes as the city continues to advance its vision to permanently reimagine Fifth Avenue as a safer, less congested, pedestrian-centered boulevard, as well as other public realm projects in commercial corridors across the city.

“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,” said Mayor Adams. “Our ambitious project will ensure that as the MTA completes its underground structural work, the Park Avenue that goes back on top will be better than ever, with more space for people to enjoy the greatest city in the world.”

“We are seizing the opportunity to make transformative changes to ensure New York City is the place where people want to be,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “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.”

“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,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Lighting, furniture, and concessions will create more of the vibrant space New Yorkers love and deserve.”

“As our administration made clear in the ‘Making New York Work for Everyone’ action plan, a dynamic public realm ensures our commercial corridors remain vibrant hubs for daily life,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “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.”

“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,” said DOT Commissioner 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.”

“The East Midtown Rezoning continues to deliver for the public, as funds generated from private development will help us deliver a greener and safer Park Avenue,” said New York City Department of City Planning Director and New York City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick. “This is just another example of how we’re planning ahead to improve livability and public safety in New York.”

“This administration is transforming urban space and finding opportunities to create safer, calmer, and quieter places within our streetscape,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Old Park Avenue placed much more emphasis on the ‘park’ and we can get back to that while preserving mobility with dedication to a new set of design principles that values people’s health above all.  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. This synergy allows us to create vibrant, accessible environments that enrich the lives of all residents, promote community well-being, and sustain the natural beauty of our city,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Reimagining Park Avenue builds on this administration’s efforts to enhance public safety, promote sustainable transportation, and develop exceptional public spaces in Midtown.”

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

“Reimagining Park Avenue further advances implementation of the ‘New’ New York Panel’s recommendations to reshape our business districts with great public space,” said “New” New York Executive Director B.J. Jones. “This effort joins Broadway Vision, the redesign of Fifth Avenue, and more to make Midtown an inviting, pedestrian-friendly global center of commerce.”