New Yorkers and tourists flocking to Manhattan’s streets now have a new sanctuary in the heart of the concrete jungle, after Vornado Realty Trust and municipal authorities cut the ribbon on Plaza33 in Midtown.
Situated in the center of the Penn District at 33rd Street and 7th Avenue, Plaza33 is a public-private collaboration established by the NYC Department of Transportation. Its aim is to improve the neighborhood’s aesthetics and link it to facilities, transportation, office buildings in the area, and more than 70 additional food and drink options.
“Plaza33 is the beating heart of the new Penn District, a destination where office workers can sit for lunch, where commuters can take a moment to pause, and where neighbors can come to connect,” Steven Roth, chairman and CEO of Vornado Realty Trust, said in a press release.
“Great public spaces are what make New York the best city in the world to live, work, and visit,” wrote Ydanis Rodriguez, commissioner of the New York Department of Transportation, in a press release.
Relax and refresh at 📍Plaza33.#HappyFriday #BeatTheHeat pic.twitter.com/cwXvQxi7LR
— 34th Street (@34thStNYC) June 21, 2024
Originally intended to be a seasonal trial project, the promenade has evolved into a permanent venue with the future addition of unique entertainment events.
Plaza33 is the centerpiece of Vornado’s $2.7 billion investment in the PENN District, which includes more than $100 million in public space renovations. The almost 5 million square feet of office space that PENN 1 and PENN 2 housed have been completely renovated. Furthermore, Vornado and the NYC DOT are working together to increase the width of the sidewalks on Seventh Avenue and replace the current sidewalks with granite stone pavers.
