New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced 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.

Starr Whitehouse will be awarded an 18-month contract to work in tandem with DOT to create a cohesive, community-led design 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 is located atop the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, which is also currently undergoing a major rehabilitation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s Metro-North Railroad. These plans align with New York’s stated goals of reimagining commercial corridors, like Fifth Avenue, as expanded safe and enjoyable public spaces for all.

“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.”

Photo by Leslie Cross on Unsplash