A new ‘city within a city’ is emerging in West Midtown New York, as part of the the largest private real estate development in U.S. history, and Penn Station is at the centre of it. The Alliance for a New Penn Station, a broad coalition of experts in architecture, engineering, and infrastructure finance, led by the Municipal Art Society of New York and Regional Plan Association, have unveiled the two comprehensive reports analysing options for the future of Madison Square Garden, focusing on the question of whether the arena should remain in place or be built anew on another site. This major redevelopment is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the future of Penn Station, Madison Square Garden and West Midtown and the reports argue that decisions have to be taken in order to ensure the economic vitality of the New York region for years to come.
Tens of millions of square feet of mixed-use urban development are under construction or planned in West Midtown, and even more is envisioned. The realization of this plan will create a new central business district, which will have major implications for the surrounding area and the entire transportation network serving New York City.
Culture can play a significant part in shaping the urban fabric of an area undertaking major changes, such as West Midtown. Developing a cultural district can act as an important catalyst for economic development, and a tool for placemaking and social engagement.
As part of the research by the Penn 2023 working group, Grimshaw Architects conducted a cultural resource survey of West Midtown. The process involved a block-by-block survey, taking note of its many cultural assets. It reveals a mosaic of cultural resources and creative industries within close proximity to Penn Station, the transport gateway and original “heart of the city.” These range from small but important private arts and design organizations, to semi-public event spaces, to some of the largest public venues in the city.
Futurecity collaborated in this process, drawing out ideas, themes and scope for developing an ambitious cultural placemaking strategy for the district. While the district’s assets are numerous and diverse, many are hidden from the public, and would benefit from a successful unifying neighbourhood identity and pronouncement that they exist. There is an opportunity to coordinate among the patchwork of neighbourhood stakeholders to create a Cultural Master Plan that will preserve, cultivate and promote the district’s creative assets.
Read the full report from the Alliance for a New Penn Station here.
Beyond Madison Square Garden: the Future of West Midtown
31/10/2014
Tens of millions of square feet of mixed-use urban development are under construction or planned in West Midtown, and even more is envisioned. The realization of this plan will create a new central business district, which will have major implications for the surrounding area and the entire transportation network serving New York City.
Culture can play a significant part in shaping the urban fabric of an area undertaking major changes, such as West Midtown. Developing a cultural district can act as an important catalyst for economic development, and a tool for placemaking and social engagement.
As part of the research by the Penn 2023 working group, Grimshaw Architects conducted a cultural resource survey of West Midtown. The process involved a block-by-block survey, taking note of its many cultural assets. It reveals a mosaic of cultural resources and creative industries within close proximity to Penn Station, the transport gateway and original “heart of the city.” These range from small but important private arts and design organizations, to semi-public event spaces, to some of the largest public venues in the city.
Futurecity collaborated in this process, drawing out ideas, themes and scope for developing an ambitious cultural placemaking strategy for the district. While the district’s assets are numerous and diverse, many are hidden from the public, and would benefit from a successful unifying neighbourhood identity and pronouncement that they exist. There is an opportunity to coordinate among the patchwork of neighbourhood stakeholders to create a Cultural Master Plan that will preserve, cultivate and promote the district’s creative assets.
Read the full report from the Alliance for a New Penn Station here.