New York City recently issued $152.7 million in funding to the Future of Fifth Partnership, an organization which aims to transform Fifth Avenue into a pedestrian-centered boulevard between Bryant Park and Central Park in Midtown, Manhattan. Designed in partnership between Sam Schwartz and Field Operations, the project plans to nearly double the width of sidewalks along Fifth Avenue to 33.5 feet each and introduce more than 230 new trees, along with approximately 20,000 square feet of planters, seating, and activation spaces.
Future-of-Fifth typical block rendering. Credit: City Hall
The project’s design draws direct inspiration from Fifth Avenue’s historic landmarks and art deco influences, as well as other iconic shopping streets around the world. The transformation is projected to pay for itself in five years via the increase in sales and property tax revenue that it will bring to the area.
Fifth Avenue has long been a significant economic driver for New York City, responsible for 313,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating $44.1 billion in total wages and $111.5 billion in total economic output annually. The avenue has experienced a wave of investment in commercial renovations, sales, and leasing activity since the project’s initial announcement in December 2022.
Future-of-Fifth bird’s eye view rendering. Credit: City Hall
“Fifth Avenue is among our most heavily used corridors by pedestrians, bringing workers, shoppers, and visitors from across the city and the world,” said Manhattan borough president Mark Levine. “Massively expanding pedestrian and sidewalk space on Fifth Avenue will make for a safer, more sustainable, more enjoyable boulevard for pedestrians. While there is still work to do to ensure this plan will meet the needs of all travelers and users of the streetscape, this initial investment is a major step forward in this new vision. I’m looking forward to working with the Future of Fifth Partnership, City Hall, DOT, and local stakeholders to bring a new era to this famous avenue.”
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If NYC were a European city, this area would likely be a pedestrian zone with no traffic except for deliveries at restricted hours. The expectation of flourishing trees might be overly optimistic. The desirability of benches depends on who will be sitting there.
expensive mistake in my opinion. 5th Avenue today is vibrant and prosperous. People arrive to the various Hotels, Offices Stores and Apartments by Transportation be it Bus, Taxi, Car Services, Limo, Bike, Walking etc. Eliminating Motor vehicles will Slow down Commerce and kill
this vital part of the City and create a Financial “Desert.” This approach will kill a major
Center of Commerce and Business!
How come that doesn’t happen in the centers of European cities that are pedestrianized?
The plan doesn’t eliminate transportation, it just reduces the number of lanes from 5 to 3. During December they often shut down lanes with temporary barriers and it hasn’t seemed to be an issue.
That extra half block that someone will have to walk when a cab drops them off at a cross street will just be too much.
No bicycle lanes are shown is the plan. It seems to be an echo of what Mayor Koch tried to do back in the 1980s with his attempted ban on cyclists on Madison, Park and 5th Ave. It failed.
So happy they don’t have bicycle lanes in this plan.
Basically, making it impossible for cars and tourists in New York. Many people take cabs and car services.
Why do you say that? I’ve never had an issue driving down 5th Ave in December when shut off two lanes with temporary barriers.
Wider sidewalks are definitely needed here. It is surprising there are no bike lanes, which are now used more than ever for the privileged who are too lazy to go get their own lunch. That needs to be rethought.
Where are the bike lanes?
Most of the car traffic is through-traffic, contributing little to the area.
Cyclists will want to enjoy this new boulevard as well.
Cars really don’t belong in dense urban areas.
NYC isn’t a European city. That’s why so many Europeans visit it!
A few thoughts:
1) I’m not sold on all the trees. I’m not sold on trees at all if I’m being completely honest and I’m not sure how much the luxe retailers are going to be sold on trees blocking views of their multi-million dollars haute storefronts.
2) I’m all for the wider sidewalks and the reduced lanes, BUT in reality I think three thru lanes (2 auto and 1 dedicated bus) could have been accompanied by a strictly (photo) enforced pick up/drop off/fire slip lane on either side of the street where the weird space between the curb and the trees that take up a big chunk of the new sidewalk exist. The corners could have the full width bulb outs with a slip lane starting about 40 feet before and after every intersection.
3) Sans the trees, I’d much rather see thinner low slung with integrated seating raised gardens, perhaps in natural honed marble, something along those lines. They would look gorgeous year round, even in winter with holiday lighting, and stunning filled with colorful flowers in the warm months that wouldn’t get any taller than say 4-5 feet from the ground and more importantly would not obstruct the sightlines of all the high-end retailers.
4) I’m agnostic about the bike lanes. Does every north south street need bikes lanes?
5) I want the materials to be top notch. If these renderings are suggesting concrete in any way, that’s just depressing for that level of investment. Light grey granite would be a very practical and beautiful material and would never go out of style.
6) I know this is just a illustrative rendering, but I do hope they plan some very attractive and distinctive street lighting. If they are going classic NY they could go with Bishop Crooks or if they want to go ultra-modern I wouldn’t be opposed to that. I don’t want to see this sort of wishy-washy Michael Graves look like those green sorta deco looking ones to the west.
6) The ones that are on Fifth now
The trees are optimistic but take up too much space from walking, especially this time of year! Not against pedestrianisation ( love broadway in flatiron) but fifth avenue isn’t the right one right now.
Oh good. Let’s restrict a major avenue, and make traffic flow in midtown Manhattan even worse.
and the city wonders why there is so much congestion
What’s next
FDR drive?