Part of Penn Station is actually getting a facelift (woohoo!). Behind high temporary fences, a Roy Lichtenstein pop art sculpture, not too dissimilar from the one inside the Tweet Courthouse downtown, and a Keith Haring sculpture were installed. 33rd Street has been closed off for a car-free summer plaza called Plaza 33, hosted by Vornado Realty Trust. This comes just after the launch of a new extended sidewalk on 32nd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenue, a colorful design by the 34th Street Partnership.
On the walls of Madison Square Garden are promotional banners: “WHAT IF the miracle was actually on 33rd Street?”, “WHAT IF you didn’t rush home during rush hour?”WHAT IF there was a plaza a Penn Plaza?”.
The New York City-based firm W Architecture, which also did the West Harlem Piers Park, has designed the temporary plaza on 33rd Street. So far, a lighted, tiered stage for performances can be seen and a historical marker, and a security guard told us that there will be a food hall as well.
Though the new plaza was supposed to go live July 18th, it looks like construction is just partially underway at this point.
