<< Back
Parks & Public Spaces
Application from Vornado Realty Trust to the Public Design Commission for a Distinctive Sidewalk at Two Penn Plaza
WHEREAS, Foster & Partners Architects and Vornado Realty Trust (“Applicant”), in association with their design team, have submitted an application for the installation of a distinctive sidewalk at Two Penn Plaza; and
WHEREAS, The site is situated between 31st and 33rd Streets along 7th Avenue and west to the Madison Square Garden loading passageway; and
WHEREAS, The site is at the prominent and highly trafficked location of the major transportation hub of Penn Station and the Madison Square Garden venue; and
WHEREAS, The distinctive sidewalk is being installed as part of the major renovation to Two Penn Plaza; and
WHEREAS, The existing concrete sidewalk and steel faced curbs will be replaced with limestone pavers and curbs, to be made from Belgium “Petit Granite” limestone which is extremely hard, dense, and durable; and
WHEREAS, The pavers will be installed in a running bond pattern, similar to other locations of granite pavers within Manhattan, and in a neutral blue-gray color to recall historic bluestone paving, and will have a slip-resistant finish and tight ¼” joints throughout; and
WHEREAS, The new distinctive sidewalk design and materials matches the previously approved distinctive sidewalk at the adjacent One Penn Plaza; and
WHEREAS, New ADA-compliant curb cuts will be installed at all corner crossings; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant has agreed to widening the ADA-compliant curb cuts beyond the requirements of the ADA, due to the extremely high volume of pedestrian traffic at intersections on this block; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is widening the sidewalk along Two Penn Plaza from 8’ to 13’, depending on the location, which will greatly ease pedestrian traffic in this congested area; and
WHEREAS, No existing trees or tree pits will be removed by the installation of the distinctive sidewalk, and the owner is investigating the feasibility of installing trees where possible; and
WHEREAS, The existing Amtrak entrance on 7th Avenue will be enlarged and provided with a new ADA elevator; and
WHEREAS, The existing entrance to Madison Square Garden via the raised platform will be made more visible to create a clear path for ticket holders and visitors; and
WHEREAS, New ADA ramps are being provided along the raised platform and the existing stairs are being widened; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant has expressed the intention to reuse and repurpose the proposed limestone pavers to the maximum extent feasible during any future development of this lot; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the application from Foster and Partners Architects and Vornado Realty Trust for a Distinctive Sidewalk at Two Penn Plaza