Put the 'Park' Back in Park Avenue, Selects Landscape Architects and Planners for Transformative Redesign of Iconic Manhattan Street

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Dot select * White House Landscape Architects and
Planners, LLC to redesign Park Ave. between E 46th St. and E
57th St. as a greener, safer, more welcoming corridor. 18
month contract will support public engagement, roadway
analysis and streetscape design toolkit.

(00:21):
The next step to put the park back in Park Ave. with the
selection of * White House Landscape Architects and
Planners, LLC as the design firmto redesign Park Ave. between E
46th St. and E 57th St. was announced today.
The firm has been awarded an 18 month contract to support dot in
creating a cohesive, community informed vision for the

(00:44):
corridor. The redesigned Park Ave. will
include a wider median, pedestrian enhancements,
seating, landscaping, and innovative streetscape
amenities. This section of Park Ave. sits
directly atop the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, which is
currently undergoing a major capital rehabilitation by the

(01:06):
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, MTAS Metro North
Railroad. As the MTA continues its work to
replace and waterproof the trainshed structure, NYC dot is
advancing a parallel effort to transform the Avenue Above into
a greener, safer and more pedestrian friendly corridor,
aligning with the City's broadergoals to reimagine major

(01:29):
commercial corridors such as 5thAve. with expanded public space
and improved safety for all users.
The public engagement process will be the next major milestone
in the Park Ave. redesign. As part of its 18 month contract
* White House Landscape Architects and Planners, LLC
will work closely with NYC dot to lead a series of public

(01:53):
engagement events aimed at gathering input from New
Yorkers, commuters, local businesses, and other key
stakeholders. This collaborative process will
help shape the design vision forthe corridor and ensure it
reflects the needs and aspirations of the surrounding
community. Informed by this feedback, the
firm will also develop a kit of parts, a customizable set of

(02:16):
design elements such as landscaping, seating, public art
and other pedestrian focused amenities to be incorporated
into the redesigned median. In addition, the firm will
develop conceptual designs for drainage, irrigation and
pedestrian security measures, producing a final report of the

(02:36):
Community Informed Design Guidelines.
The redesign is funded through the East Midtown Governing
Group, created as part of the 2017 Greater E Midtown rezoning.
The rezoning established a framework in which new
commercial developments and the transfer of development rights
are required to contribute to nearby public realm

(02:58):
improvements, making transformative projects like
this possible. The Park Ave. redesign is a key
piece of the City's long term strategy to create a world class
network of public space in Midtown.
As recommended by the New New York Panel and outlined in the
Making New York Work for Everyone Action Plan.
It complements a range of bold initiatives reshaping the public

(03:20):
realm across Manhattan central business districts, including
the expansion of the Broadway Vision Plan, the 5th Ave.
Redesign the opening of Plaza 33at Penn Station and the
forthcoming replacement and expansion of the Port Authority
Bus Terminal.