Work is in full swing at Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza, a small park in the Financial District. Bound by Greenwich Street to the west, Edgar Street to the north, and Trinity Place to the east, the project involves the unification of two public spaces that were formerly divided by an exit lane from the Hugh L. Cary Tunnel. George Vellonakis is the landscape architect of the park, which is named for the late Downtown Alliance president Elizabeth Berger, who passed away in 2013.
Recent photos from around and above the site show lines of construction barriers and metal fences surrounding the perimeter of the park and the pathways to a pair of staircases to the Rector Street subway station. New pavers and soil are being delivered and placed throughout the plaza, with construction crews operating around a number of mature trees that are being preserved through the transformation. In addition to these trees, the new plan calls for curved garden beds and borders to safely separate people from the streets and traffic.
Looking south along Edgar Street. Photo by Michael Young
Looking north at the park above Trinity Place. Photo by Michael Young
77 Greenwich Street sits directly to the north across from Edgar Street. Photo by Michael Young
The plan and elevation diagram show also show a central elliptical-shaped mound of grass with seating and low stone walls that gently meander with the curves of the landscape design. The project will also include four new pedestrian crosswalks on both Greenwich Street and Trinity Place, fences along Greenwich Street, and asphalt block for the walkways within the park. The scheme diverts the traffic exiting the tunnel northward to the corner of Greenwich Street and Edgar Street.
Rendering from the NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation updated the completion date of Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza to January 2021.
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In democracy, there will be people who like it and hate it. For me is always neutral: Thanks to Michael Young.
Very cute, NYC can always use a little bit of this.
This hasn’t changed a bit from over a year ago when I walked by. I remember Times Square getting new paving and bollards took literally years. Seriously, what is wrong with the way this city starts projects and then they just sit there for years with no activity. It’s ugly and often a hassle for businesses, pedestrians and traffic. Do contractors keep getting paid? Is that why they don’t finish it?
It’s truly ridiculous and something from like a banana republic.
@David, I live nearby and there is regular activity here. The project started a year ago and is pretty close to completion, so I don’t think saying it takes “years” is fair.