Transforming the 14th Street corridor's transit and pedestrian experience in New York City through a collaborative initiative between the city government and private businesses
New York City is set to embark on an exciting new venture with the launch of the 14th Street Corridor Enhancement Study. This two-year, $3 million public-private design study, scheduled to begin in July 2025, aims to transform the bustling 14th Street into a people-first, pedestrian-focused space while preserving the existing busway.
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will lead the study in close collaboration with the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs): the Union Square Partnership and the Meatpacking District Management Association. The study's goal is to further improve the safety, welcoming atmosphere, and efficiency of the 14th Street busway, which currently serves approximately 28,000 daily riders.
The study's proposed design features include expanded pedestrian zones, widened sidewalks, improved landscaping, additional green space, safety improvements for pedestrians and transit users, and potential new plaza spaces and upgraded public gathering areas. The upgrades are intended to benefit not only the 28,000 daily bus riders but also thousands more New Yorkers visiting destinations along the street.
The city's contribution, including Mayor Eric Adams’ office and NYCEDC, amounts to approximately $2 million, with $500,000 coming from NYCEDC. The BIDs, Union Square Partnership, and Meatpacking District Management Association, will contribute around $1 million combined.
The study will be divided into phases for consultant selection, planning, and active community engagement to identify priority improvements. Capital projects based on the study’s recommendations will be developed by the end of the study period.
This enhancement initiative aligns with Mayor Adams' "Best Budget Ever," aiming to redesign public spaces, support small businesses, boost tourism, and improve safety in the city. The project reflects other public-private partnerships to reimagine iconic corridors, serving as a model for the 14th Street vision plan.
The upgrades will preserve existing busway operations, ensuring efficient and prioritized bus transit continues. The partnership involves New York City Mayor Eric Adams, NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball, Union Square Partnership, and Meatpacking District Management Association.
The study is part of a broader effort to usher in the future of the iconic 14th Street corridor, building upon previous improvements to the corridor's busway and aligning with the core tenets of the "New" New York action plan, which identifies public space and pedestrian improvements as key forces for the city's economic recovery.
Community stakeholders and local residents will be engaged during the study process to shape the final design. The city will begin seeking a consultant for the study this year, with plans to engage the public in the first quarter of 2026.
Sources: 1. WhatNow New York 2. Traded 3. 6sqft 4. Time Out New York
- The partnership involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams, NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball, Union Square Partnership, and Meatpacking District Management Association, aims to enhance the 14th Street busway finance through the $3 million, two-year study.
- As part of Mayor Adams' "Best Budget Ever," the transportation industry will witness the transformation of the 14th Street corridor, with the planned renovation serving not only the 28,000 daily bus riders but also boosting tourism and small businesses.
