Fifth Avenue is set to undergo its first major transformation in over 200 years

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with the Future of Fifth Partnership, has unveiled an exciting and transformative vision for one of the most iconic streets in the world: Fifth Avenue. In a sweeping redesign, the stretch between Bryant Park and Central Park is set to become a pedestrian-focused boulevard that promises to revitalize the area, boost the economy, and provide a greener, more inviting public space.

Unveiled on October 17, 2024, the proposed redesign will expand sidewalks by 46%, significantly easing the current overcrowded conditions. Today, Fifth Avenue's sidewalks account for less than half the space, despite 70% of its traffic consisting of pedestrians. With nearly 23,000 people per hour navigating these sidewalks during the holiday season—more than the capacity of Madison Square Garden—the congestion is impossible to ignore.

The new design will widen the sidewalks to 33.5 feet on each side, creating ample space for pedestrians and reducing crosswalk lengths by over a third. Additionally, hundreds of new trees and planters will line the street, adding 20,000 square feet of greenery that will provide shade, improve stormwater drainage, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly urban environment.

“New Yorkers deserve an iconic boulevard that will rival the rest of the world,” said Mayor Adams. “Right now, 70% of the people on Fifth Avenue are pedestrians, but they’re forced into constrained sidewalks. We’re flipping the script by nearly doubling walkable sidewalk space, adding hundreds of new trees, seating, and activation space. Best of all, this project will pay for itself in less than five years through increased tax revenues. It’s a huge win for New York City, and we’re grateful to our partners for helping make this vision a reality.”

This redesign is particularly historic as it marks the first major overhaul of Fifth Avenue in its 200-year history. While known for its status as a global shopping destination, the avenue has long been criticized for being car-centric. With this redesign, the number of traffic lanes will be reduced from five to three, giving more space to pedestrians while maintaining traffic flow. The addition of lighting and seating will enhance safety and encourage people to linger, shop, and enjoy the avenue's offerings.

City leaders are confident that the economic impact of the redesign will be profound. First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer pointed out that prioritizing pedestrians will boost the local economy, explaining that the enhanced pedestrian experience is expected to drive more foot traffic, increase spending, and encourage further investment along the avenue. In fact, since Mayor Adams announced the project in December 2022, there has been an unprecedented wave of commercial renovations, record-breaking real estate sales, and leasing activity on Fifth Avenue, with over $3.9 billion in sales since 2023 alone.

Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association and co-chair of the Future of Fifth Steering Committee, added, “As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of one of the most famous streets in the world, New Yorkers can look forward to a brand-new Fifth Avenue that returns the street to its former glory as a pedestrian boulevard. Reversing the century-old trend of putting cars first, this visionary design will transform our overcrowded avenue into a spacious, green corridor for shoppers, workers, visitors, and everyone on Fifth.”

Beyond the economic benefits, the project represents a bold step toward a greener New York City. By incorporating over 230 new trees, more greenery, and sustainable stormwater infrastructure, the redesign aligns with the city's broader efforts to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

Inspired by other iconic boulevards like the Champs-Élysées in Paris and London's Oxford Street, the new Fifth Avenue will not only be functional but aesthetically aligned with the street’s historic landmarks and art deco influences. This attention to design detail is expected to elevate the visual identity of the avenue, making it even more appealing to visitors from around the globe.

“This type of bold thinking and public-private partnership is transforming one of New York City’s iconic corridors into a vibrant destination,” said New York City Economic Development President Andrew Kimball. “We have seen the benefits of prioritizing pedestrians before—creating jobs, increasing real estate sales, and boosting our economy. Fifth Avenue’s transformation is an opportunity to reimagine one of the most important shopping districts in the world.”

The Future of Fifth Partnership, which has been working on this project since 2022, brings together key stakeholders like the Fifth Avenue Association, Grand Central Partnership, Central Park Conservancy, and Bryant Park Corporation. Together, they are helping to lead the project’s design, which is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

Once finished, New York City will have a redesigned Fifth Avenue that is not only a pedestrian paradise but also an economic engine, capable of paying for itself in under five years through increased tax revenues. More importantly, it will stand as a symbol of how cities can adapt to the future while honoring their past—an iconic boulevard for the next generation of New Yorkers.

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