A new public plaza opened on Thursday in Hudson Square as part of a $4.5 million NY Forward investment aimed at revitalizing the Lower Manhattan neighborhood.
New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley announced the completion of the $744,000 Hudson Square Plaza expansion, which extends Spring Street Park and creates a new gathering space for residents, workers and visitors.
“Hudson Square is a beloved neighborhood in the heart of New York City, and this new plaza gives the people who live, work and visit there a vibrant place to gather, connect and enjoy the community,’ Mosley said. “Through the NY Forward program, New York State was able to help make this project a reality and bring new energy and excitement to the neighborhood. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and for continuing to invest in projects that make our communities stronger, more welcoming and better places to live and work.”
The 6,500-square-foot-plaza includes seating and tables, free Wi-Fi, space for community programming and a 6,500-square-foot asphalt mural. The space is also located near the new C/E Spring Street subway entrance and elevator and is surrounded by offices, schools, residences, cultural destinations, businesses and public transportation.
Hudson Square PlazaPhoto by John Patterson
The Hudson Square Business Improvement District designed the plaza in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT). The project repurposed an underused slip lane and is intended to provide a gateway into the Hudson Square neighborhood.
“Hudson Square Plaza brings new energy, connectivity, and color to one of the neighborhood’s most important corridors, creating a welcoming gateway to the neighborhood,” said Samara Karasyk, president and CEO of the Hudson Square BID. “Building on the success of the adjacent Spring Street Park, this plaza advances our commitment to creating inspiring places for people that embody the creativity of our community.”
She added that the new space is ideal for “meeting a friend for lunch, working outside, or simply passing through” and has “something for everyone” to enjoy.
“We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and NYC DOT for their partnership and for sharing our vision for a more people-centered public realm,” Karasyk said.
Hudson Square is a roughly 33-block neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower West Side. The primarily commercial district has more than 12 million square feet of office space and has historically been shaped by industrial and activity as well as vehicle and freight movement.
Hudson Square PlazaPhoto by John Patterson
“Hudson Square has transformed over the years into a people-first neighborhood, with new bike and pedestrian upgrades that help local businesses thrive,” NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said. “This project is the latest example, repurposing an underutilized slip lane to create a new, welcoming gateway into Hudson Square.”
City Comptroller Mark Levine said the new plaza will bring improved “safety, walkability, livability, and appearance” to Hudson Square.
“Combining the NY Forward program’s State-level resources with the Hudson Square BID’s neighborhood-level knowledge and experience has led to evidence-backed, strategic use of our tax dollars,” he said. “This project unlocks new levels of economic potential for Hudson Square and for New York City.”
The NY Forward program also supported the renovation of the NYC Fire Museum‘s third-floor event space with new floors and ceilings, A/V equipment, and a code-required HVAC system. The NYC Council also helped fund necessary roof repairs needed to reopen the museum, located at 278 Spring St., after it was closed for two years due to concerns about its structural integrity.
The museum officially reopened on Aug. 20 this year.