“We are bringing the ‘Park’ back to Park Avenue!” This is how Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), formulates an improvement plan for eleven blocks in Manhattan, particularly for the corridor between 46th and 57th Streets above the Grand Central Terminal train hall.

At a press conference this week, the Adams administration and Rodriguez announced a new request for proposals to solicit bids from landscape architects seeking to create much-needed green space in East Midtown. The most noticeable change will be a new, wider pedestrian median north of Grand Central Terminal.

This streetscape improvement will occur while the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is making major infrastructure improvements to the underground platform. Currently, the MTA is working to strengthen the underground structure leading to the station.

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi said in a statement that as the MTA “works underground to strengthen our rail infrastructure, we are seizing this unique moment to make the vital Park Avenue transit artery a destination.” Joshi also shared that “lighting, furniture and concessions will create even more of the vibrant space that New Yorkers love and deserve.”

The plan is part of the city’s overall strategy to improve walkability and quality of life in New York City’s premier business district. This program includes, among others, a comprehensive Fifth Avenue Improvement Plan by Field Operations, Sam Schwartz, Arcadis and Public Works Partners.

Some of New York’s finest pre- and post-war buildings line the strip of Park Avenue between 46th and 57th Streets. These include Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building, SOM’s Lever House, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, St. Bartholomew’s Church, and others.

Until the streets were redesigned in the 20th century, pedestrians had priority. Now the Ministry of Transport wants to change course and return everything to the way it was before.

The Park Avenue modernization is being funded by private developers as part of the East Midtown rezoning plan launched in 2017. The following year, in 2018, developers Fisher Brothers held a design competition. Beyond the center lineto redesign the streetscape north of Grand Central.

“The rezoning of East Midtown will continue to benefit the public as the funds generated from private development will help us create a greener and safer Park Avenue,” added Dan Garodnick, director of the New York City Department of Planning and chairman of the New York City Planning Commission. “This is just another example of how we are planning ahead to improve the quality of life and public safety in New York.”