East Midtown Plaza

This 1.25-acre plaza amidst a block of apartment buildings built in the early 1970s has been given new life. In order to take better advantage of the site conditions, the playground has been relocated to the plaza above the underground garage, and the new garden has been sited where there is no below-grade structure. Plants native to the New York City region are used throughout – determined by site characteristics such as soil, sun, shade and availability of water.

A sinuously curving spine of paving and walls, edged with benches, visually links the playground and the residents’ garden. The playground has separate areas for toddlers and preschoolers and for children grade school through age 15, while remaining tied together with the plant palette. Its native grasses and flowers were chosen for the raised planters’ lightweight and shallow soil necessitated by the underground garage. The garden area takes advantage of the dappled shade cast by mature honey locusts; its planting display features different species throughout the seasons, which reward residents taking advantage of the walking paths, the quiet fountain area or the ample seating throughout.
Construction completion anticipated in Fall 2017.

Project Team
Plaza Project Lead: WXY
Landscape Architecture: Judith Heintz, Diana Drake, Napat Sitisara
Lighting Design: Domingo Gonzalez Associates
Architects/Structural Engineers: Howard L. Zimmerman Architects, PC
Civil Engineers: Neglia Engineering Associates
Aborist: Paul Cowie and Associates

Plan by Heintz, Sitisara, Drake; Images courtesy of WXY