Construction is now underway in Downtown New Rochelle, where city planners aim to create a vibrant pedestrian plaza and retail corridor. Located along Anderson Street between North Avenue and LeCount Place, the one-way thoroughfare will debut as Andreson Plaza and represents roughly $4 million in public-private funding.
To complete the project, the City of New Rochelle has partnered with developers Wilder Balter and L+M Development Partners. Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners served as design architect for the new plaza.
“Starr Whitehouse is proud to support the City of New Rochelle, Wilder Balter, and LMXD to reinvigorate public spaces downtown,” said Laura Starr, partner, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners. “By bringing nature into the city and creating welcoming social spaces, the Anderson Plaza design will make downtown New Rochelle more healthy, inclusive, and livable.”
When compete, the expanded pedestrian area will feature bubbler play fountains, permanent and temporary seating, seasonal landscaping, and a retail kiosk. On the weekends, the city envisions a mix of local programming ranging from farmers markets to outdoor festivals and retail pop-ups.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, guests had access to virtual renderings of the completed plaza powered by NRVR, a virtual reality platform launched and operated by the City of New Rochelle.
Anderson Plaza groundbreaking
“The new Anderson Plaza renovation is just one example of how New Rochelle’s downtown has become a hub for innovation and improvement,” said New Rochelle mayor Noam Branson. “When neighbors can gather and celebrate in community spaces like the new Anderson Plaza, the quality of life soars. As more and more of our neighbors join us in appreciating the benefits of this renovation, we expect that local businesses and entrepreneurs will grow in kind along the way.”
Previous phases of the Anderson Plaza revitalization include a renovated theater space at 595 Main Street, a community gallery at 393 Huguenot Street, and a seven-story rental building at 25 Maple Avenue designed by Beyer Blinder Belle.
Updated rendering of 25 Maple Avenue – Beyer Blinder Belle
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This money is much more needed for the Ward Acres barn. $4 million for a block long park that aleady existed is excessive and dumb.
Good ! Every time should do the same.