The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Central Park Conservancy (CPC) have proposed a new lighting infrastructure upgrade for Grand Army Plaza in Midtown, Manhattan. The project, which will be reviewed on Tuesday by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, aims to enhance illumination throughout both the north and south portions of the plaza, including the General Sherman Monument and the Pulitzer Fountain.
Proposed changes to Grand Army Plaza, via LPC proposal.
Proposed changes to Grand Army Plaza, via LPC proposal.
Proposed lighting changes includes the installation of new fixtures equipped with photocell controls, updated spotlighting for key monuments, and enhanced nighttime visibility around the plaza. The design retains historically appropriate luminaires already installed on the north plaza and plans to extend similar lighting elements to the south plaza. Various lighting fixture types are included to ensure proper illumination of statues, fountains, and landscape features. Plans avoid using standard DOT poles by integrating the PEC controls into the monument lighting poles, a compromise that allows CPC to maintain aesthetic consistency while meeting operational requirements.
Proposed changes to Grand Army Plaza, via LPC proposal.
Three configurations were evaluated for placing photocell and control systems: across the street, in reclaimed street beds, or integrated within the plaza itself. The final preferred option installs PEC equipment on the monument lighting poles to avoid disrupting the historic design or requiring additional poles that are not curb-protected. This setup includes two 25-foot poles per plaza to light key features such as the Pomona sculpture, Pulitzer Fountain, and General Sherman statue.
Grand Army Plaza is located at the southeast corner of Central Park in Manhattan, with nearby subway access via the N, R, and W trains at Fifth Avenue/59th Street and the F train at 57th Street.
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As long os the lighting does not shine up into the sky, it will be legal. The Pulitzer Fountain is a curious example of water flow. One expects water to drop off the edge of the bowl. Here, however, it flows around the curved edge defying gravity before finally falling. I see there is a new type of gutter being sold which uses this effect so water curves around into the trough while leaves fall to the ground.
They should also do this at Columbus Circle.
Get this intersection done already…it’s been a couple of years already of construction. It’s one of the City’s gem locations, and it’s been under wraps, blocking pedestrian flows in the periphery.
Unending city park renovations was explained to me by a former architect in the parks department.
He said lowest bids must be accepted. Oftentimes the contractor is a one-man business. They get a big partial chunk of money to start, and then lose interest to finish it. Long legal wrangling ensues. Obviously inadequate legal contracts are the only available option.
Dearlord
I’d love to see the entire municipal bidding procedure reformed to equally weigh contractor ability alongside lowest bid. If proof of qualifications is inadequate, bid is thrown out and next ***qualified*** lowest bid is chosen.