Future of Fifth: Fifth Avenue Corridor Public Realm Plan

The project study corridor of Fifth Avenue—from Central Park to Bryant Park—is a bustling commercial center and home to some of New York City’s most iconic retail and public institutions, including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Bergdorf Goodman’s, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, and the flagship building of the New York City Public Library system. Fifth Avenue is also a crucial transit corridor for buses and experiences exceptionally high volumes of pedestrians throughout the year. Despite the cultural and commercial draw of Fifth Avenue, its public realm has, for many years, lacked sufficient space and amenities for the high level of activity on the street. 

TYLin is helping NYC EDC—in close coordination with the Mayor’s Office and other City agencies—to envision an improved public realm for Fifth Avenue that rebalances space to more appropriately reflect current and future uses, while also improving pedestrian, cycling, transit, and traffic circulation. As the day-to-day project manager, TYLin is leading a consultant team of landscape architects, urban designers, civil engineers, public engagement experts and others through a multi-year process from the initial conceptual designs, circulation analysis, and public outreach through to schematic design. 

Through the initial phases of the project, TYLin has developed robust analyses of bus operations, traffic circulation, as well as pedestrian and cycling needs. Extensive civil engineering analysis has also been completed to ensure recommended streetscape improvements are coordinated with City requirements, specifically related to the complex utilities underlying Fifth Avenue. The project is slated to conclude in Spring 2025 and aims to transform Fifth Avenue into an iconic, pedestrian-centric destination in the heart of Manhattan.