New York Construction Report staff writer
New York City this week announced $152.7 million to redesign Fifth Avenue between Bryant Park and Central Park, and transform the street into a world-class, pedestrian-friendly boulevard. The project will expand sidewalks, reduce traffic lanes, and add greenery and seating to create a “safer, greener, and more vibrant public space”.
Initial funding will be used for the full design and the start of construction for the first major redesign of Fifth Avenue in more than 200 years. Construction will include essential underground infrastructure upgrades such as water main and sewer system improvements, allowing both above-ground and underground work to be completed simultaneously.
“Fifth Avenue is an economic powerhouse for New York City – it fuels more than 300,000 jobs and $44 billion in wages,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “With this $152 million investment, we’re supercharging that. This transformation will create more pedestrian space, add trees and seating, and enhance safety. It will pay for itself within five years through increased tax revenue, benefitting businesses, workers, and New Yorkers.”
The redesign is part of the Future of Fifth initiative to make Fifth Avenue more accessible and sustainable for all users. Arcadis was selected by the New York City Economic Development Corporation as Lead Consultant.
Arcadis is leading on construction phasing and implementation, heading-up a core team of three engineering, planning, and design firms: Sam Schwartz, Field Operations and Public Works Partners.
Responsible for the overall delivery of the vision and redesign plan that seeks to integrate Fifth Avenue with the surrounding urban environs, strengthen connectivity, and balance the iconic boulevard’s distinct identity with active programming, passive space, and transportation demands, Arcadis is also the Architect of Record for more than 20 of the stores on the famed boulevard.
Currently, Fifth Avenue is 100 feet wide, with five lanes of traffic and two narrow sidewalks. Despite pedestrians accounting for 70 percent of the corridor’s traffic, sidewalks only take up 46% of the space. On average, each block serves about 5,500 pedestrians an hour, with that number soaring to 23,000 an hour during the holidays.
The new design will nearly double sidewalk space to 33.5 feet on each side, with 25 feet for walking and 8.5 feet for trees and planters. These changes will reduce crossing distances by more than a third, improving safety.
More than 230 new trees will be added with 20,000 square feet of planters and additional seating and shaded areas to reduce heat and add innovative stormwater infrastructure to prevent flooding.
“We want Fifth Avenue to be a space that everyone can enjoy,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “With this $152 million investment, we’re ensuring that Fifth Avenue remains a vibrant, dynamic space for generations to come.”
The new Fifth Avenue will draw inspiration from other iconic streets, such as the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and will incorporate Art Deco elements to highlight the avenue’s architectural history.
“The transformation of Fifth Avenue is a historic opportunity to make one of the world’s most iconic streets safer, greener, and more accessible,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “This initial investment is a major step forward in making Fifth Avenue a more sustainable and vibrant place for all New Yorkers.”
Construction is expected to be completed in phases, with further investment and development from the public-private partnership in the coming years.
