Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
NYC DOT Takes Next Step to Put the 'Park' Back in Park Avenue, Selects Landscape Architects and Planners for Transformative Redesign of Iconic Manhattan Street
DOT Selects Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners LLC To Redesign Park Avenue Between East 46th Street and East 57th Street as a Greener, Safer, More Welcoming Corridor
18-Month Contract Will Support Public Engagement, Roadway Analysis, and Streetscape Design Toolkit
Concept for a reimagined Park Avenue, with wider median. Credit: NYC Department of City Planning
NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the next step to put the 'park' back in Park Avenue with the selection of Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners LLC as the design firm to redesign Park Avenue between East 46th Street and East 57th Street. The firm has been awarded an 18-month contract to support DOT in creating a cohesive, community-informed vision for the corridor. The redesigned Park Avenue will include a wider median, pedestrian enhancements, seating, landscaping, and innovative streetscape amenities. This section of Park Avenue sits directly atop the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, which is currently undergoing a major capital rehabilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)'s Metro-North Railroad. As the MTA continues its work to replace and waterproof the train shed 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 broader goals to reimagine major commercial corridors—such as Fifth Avenue—with expanded public space and improved safety for all users.
"We are thrilled to put the 'park' back in Park Avenue with this transformative redesign of one of Manhattan's most iconic streets," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "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. 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."
"Park Avenue has long been one of New York City’s most iconic boulevards—and now, we have a chance to make it a greener, more welcoming space for everyone who lives, works, and visits here,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “This redesign is an exciting step toward a more resilient and people-focused Midtown, one that brings nature back into the heart of our city. We’re proud to support a project that enhances the urban landscape while making daily life more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable.”
The public engagement process will be the next major milestone in the Park Avenue redesign. As part of its 18-month contract, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners LLC will work closely with NYC DOT to lead a series of public 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 for the 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 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 community-informed design guidelines.
The redesign is funded through the East Midtown Governing Group, created as part of the 2017 Greater East 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 improvements—making transformative projects like this possible.
The Park Avenue 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 realm across Manhattan's central business districts, including the expansion of the Broadway Vision Plan, the Fifth Avenue redesign, the opening of Plaza33 at Penn Station, and the forthcoming replacement and expansion of the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
"I thank Commissioner Rodriguez and the Department of Transportation and enthusiastically join them to announce the selection of a landscape design firm to modernize and beautify Park Avenue," said U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler. "Originally an open railroad trench, it wasn't until the 1880's that the tracks were covered and the malls as we know them were constructed. But it's time to take a fresh look at Park Avenue north of Grand Central Terminal and update these malls for more than just cars. We must make Park Avenue more sustainable for all modes of transportation especially pedestrians to create a world class public space in midtown."
"Manhattan Community Board 6 is thrilled to see the Park Avenue Landscape Design project entering this exciting next phase," said Jason Froimowitz, director to the East Midtown Public Realm Improvement Fund, Manhattan CB6. "Selecting a design team marks a significant milestone in creating a vibrant, community driven vision for Park Avenue. We look forward to continued collaboration with DOT and our fellow stakeholders to ensure this project reflects and enhances our community's needs and aspirations."