7K-Square-Foot Pedestrian Plaza Opens In Meatpacking District

MEATPACKING DISTRICT - Whether you need a temporary landing spot to sit down for lunch, catch up with a friend over coffee or simply re-calibrate Google Maps, one more public space for you to do so opened in the Meatpacking District this week.

Gansevoort Landing, located on 10 Avenue and Gansevoort Street across from the Whitney Museum, opened Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony helmed by city officials. The 7,000-square-foot space includes red bud and crepe myrtle planters and a curated 120-foot asphalt mural, dubbed “Buggy Bear Takes A Cool Cruise,” commissioned by the Whitney and painted by artist Alake Shilling as part of the NYC Streets Plan.

“When we reimagine our roads to be vibrant public spaces, our whole City benefits,” New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said. “New greenery, seating, and beautiful public art transform this formerly dangerous street into an inviting pedestrian haven with safer crossings between the Meatpacking District and Gansevoort Peninsula. I thank the Meatpacking BID, TF Cornerstone, and the Whitney for their partnership in bringing this to fruition.”

The completion of the plaza serves as the first phase of the Meatpacking District’s 2022 Western Gateway Area Needs Report and Public Realm Vision to redevelop the underutilized roadway. Future plans include a direct crossing slated to open later this fall connecting the Meatpacking District and Hudson River Park. A bike path hugging the highway is also included in the plans, but has yet to receive an opening date.

The landing also serves as a gateway to Hudson River Park and its upcoming Gansevoort Peninsula: a yet-to-be-opened public park set to offer water access, ball fields and public art installations.

“Gansevoort Landing isn't just a place; it's an experience aimed to reunite the neighborhood and the waterfront and create a new connection for locals and visitors alike,” the Meatpacking BID said in a statement Thursday.

“Over the last 25 years, this area has seen incredible changes, and Gansevoort Landing is its latest chapter—a project initiated by the BID just a year ago. Working hand in hand with the state, the city, private stakeholders, and cultural institutions.”

Gansevoort Landing is officially open, connecting the Meatpacking District to the west side, a pivotal moment in our Western Gateway vision. Thanks to @NYC_DOT , @tfcornerstone , @whitneymuseum , + many government partners for making this transformation possible. #GansevoortPlaza pic.twitter.com/RVGXzEDBQc
— Meatpacking District (@MeatpackingNY) September" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/Meatpackin... 28, 2023