Two Redesigns Proposed for Park Avenue in Manhattan
New York City officials and the Department of Transportation have unveiled two preliminary designs by landscape architecture firm Starr Whitehouse for a pedestrian-friendly redesign of Park Avenue between 46th and 57th Streets. The proposals aim to transform the 11-block stretch into a green public space atop the Grand Central Terminal train shed, currently being rehabilitated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The designs reduce traffic to one lane per direction, add bike lanes, expand medians with greenery and seating, and retain space for public art. The bike lane placement differs between the two schemes. The project follows an RFP circulated in August 2024 and an 18-month contract awarded to Starr Whitehouse in June 2024. Extensive community engagement, including surveys and workshops, informed the designs, with further feedback sessions scheduled.
Key facts
- Two preliminary designs for Park Avenue were shared with the public in 2026.
- The redesign covers the 11-block stretch between 46th and 57th Streets in Manhattan.
- The designs are by landscape architecture firm Starr Whitehouse.
- The project sits atop the Grand Central Terminal train shed, being rehabilitated by the MTA.
- The DOT tapped Starr Whitehouse for an 18-month contract in June 2024.
- An RFP for the project was circulated in August 2024.
- Both schemes reduce traffic to one lane per direction and add bike lanes.
- The bike lane placement is the main difference between the two designs.
Entities
Institutions
- New York City Department of Transportation
- Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- New York City Office of the Mayor
Locations
- New York City
- Manhattan
- Park Avenue
- Grand Central Terminal
- 46th Street
- 57th Street