Improvement Sites

The Design Team has identified several locations in the NYU Core where improvements to the public realm will create an enhanced pedestrian and urban experience. These sites include:

• Washington Place (between Broadway and Washington Square East)
• Gould Plaza
• Schwartz Plaza

Washington Place

Washington Place provides a connection between Washington Square Park and Broadway and accommodates a diverse range of programs in buildings all owned by NYU-from housing and classrooms to student services and social spaces. Yet despite its centrality and diversity of uses, the quality of the public realm along Washington Place is less appealing than other streets. Appropriate landscape, streetscape, ground level uses and façade improvements could further enhance the quality of the public realm. Tree plantings or green planters on either side of Washington Place could provide shade for outdoor seating.

Washington Place

Many buildings, like the Brown Building on the northwest corner of Washington Place and Greene Street, have blank, opaque facades to the street. Façade alterations have not restored or enhanced the historic visual character of buildings. Very few trees line the street.

Washington Place

The above Brown Building shows the possible impact of façade improvements to the building and landscape enhancements on Washington Place.

Washington Place

Meyer Hall on the southwest corner of Broadway and Washington Place has small entrances and blocked windows reflect neither a positive engagement with the street nor Philip Johnson's architectural vision for the building.

Washington Place

A new ground-level retail use in Meyer Hall would provide continuity with storefronts along Broadway and draw people onto Washington Place.

Gould Plaza

As NYU's main public space, Gould Plaza often appears unwelcoming. The Plaza's raised condition - a few feet above the sidewalk - lack of vegetation, and poor quality paving and street furniture all contribute to its lack of appeal as a gathering space.

Gould Plaza

A range of improvements could help activate Gould Plaza. General accessibility could be improved by extending the stairs along the entire length of the West 4th Street edge, and making the stairs more suitable for seating and socializing. Ramps integrated on both the north and south sides of the plaza could allow for continuous ADA -accessible passage through the Plaza. New planters could frame building entrances and provide shade, filtered light, and a cooling effect for those using the plaza. Movable tables and chairs could create flexible seating arrangements. Higher quality materials could reinforce Gould Plaza's identity as a signature open space.

Schwartz Plaza

Schwartz Plaza is a key connection linking NYU's academic core along Washington Square Place with the superblock area. If new space is added to the superblocks, Schwartz Plaza could increase in prominence as both a visually recognizable NYU space and a key pedestrian connection. The current design of Schwartz Plaza makes this area feel like a pass-through space. While benches provide seating and sculptures offer visual interest, this is not a space where people linger.

Schwartz Plaza

Improvements to Schwartz Plaza could strengthen the space as a key campus connection and encourage people sit, study, or meet with friends. Adding large canopy trees could improve tree cover to create shade and decrease the sense of being in a tall, narrow corridor. Green walls on Bobst Library and Shimkin Hall could allow plantings to climb the sides of these buildings. In addition, facade improvements to Bobst Library and Shimkin Hall could allow the interiors of these buildings to spill out into Schwartz Plaza, where seating can be increased.

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