Photos: BrakeThrough Media
The Meatpacking District Management Association (Meatpacking BID) recently unveiled a new promenade on 14th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, in partnership with the Department of Transportation and other city partners. This ‘third space’ will transform the neighborhood’s busiest street into a vibrant retail and community promenade with space for public art and community engagement.
“This project is a powerful example of the untapped potential of the space outside and how reimagining our streets with people at the center can transform the urban experience,” said Jeffrey LeFrancois, Executive Director of the Meatpacking District Management Association. “As part of the Meatpacking District’s Western Gateway Vision Plan, this project builds on our pedestrian-focused approach to public realm planning. It’s the second major milestone in the Plan, and was a truly pioneering effort, requiring us to chart a new course through the City’s design and approvals process.”
Photo by: Iri Greco / BrakeThrough Media | www.brakethroughmedia.com
“All New Yorkers benefit when we reimagine our streets to be vibrant public spaces, and transforming West 14th Street to expand pedestrian space, improve safety for all users, and create a new pedestrian connection between the bustling Gansevoort Plaza and premier public spaces like Little Island and Pier 57 will revolutionize the Meatpacking District neighborhood,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We thank the Meatpacking BID, Streets Plans, TYLin, Community Boards 2 and 4, as well as the local elected officials for their partnership in advancing this important project
Shopping, New Spaces for Social Connection
In collaboration with the globally acclaimed Scandinavian furniture company Vestre, the Promenade features high-quality decks and sustainably sourced outdoor furniture which activate the District’s historic cobblestones. People will have inviting spaces to take a call, meet with friends, or take a pause while exploring the District’s renowned attractions such as the High Line and immersive mini golf destination Puttery; premier shopping including Lladró, Breitling, and Lululemon; cultural destinations like the Whitney Museum of American Art; and celebrated dining like Barbuto, Bangkok Supper Club and Meduza Mediterrania.
Leading the Way in West Side Redevelopment
With the opening of Little Island, Pier 57, and Gansevoort Peninsula in the span of just three years, visitors are increasingly heading west via 14th Street to these major destinations. In 2024 alone almost 2 million people crossed Tenth Avenue at W 14th Street, an increase of over 175% versus 2023.
As the West Side continues this pivotal era of development, the Meatpacking BID is pioneering in its management of public space fostering a balanced, pedestrian-friendly streetscape across the District as broader plans along the Hudson are still emerging. Major projects — including the $2 million redesign study of Route 9A, the renovation of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, a completely new esplanade in Hudson River Park from 30th-44th Streets, and the closure of the last remaining Meat Market in the Meatpacking District — are reshaping the waterfront and the adjacent neighborhoods. The evolution calls for a cohesive, accessible, and welcoming shoreline that connects the entire West Side seamlessly.
The West 14th Street expansion marks the second major implementation in the Western Gateway Needs Report and Public Realm Vision, following the successful debut of Gansevoort Landing in 2023. Developed by the Meatpacking BID in collaboration with WXY architecture + urban design and TYLin (formerly Sam Schwartz Engineering), the Western Gateway Vision Plan builds upon recent mobility and public space improvements along Ninth Avenue from Gansevoort to West 15th Streets. Retaining the historic nature and feel of the District while incorporating unique aspects of its emerging character from retailers and others are integral to the transformation.
For more information on the Meatpacking BID, visit meatpacking-district.com/district/bid