A REIMAGINED WEST 14TH STREET

This spring, a more dynamic, pedestrian-centered West 14th Street debuted between Ninth and Tenth Avenues in the Meatpacking District. The West 14th Street Promenade created a “third space” for community enjoyment while enhancing connections to Hudson River Park and enlivening the retail corridor. Through the repurposing of the curblane and transformation of the wide, two-way underutilized roadbed along West 14th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, locals and visitors alike now get to experience five new gathering areas, lush landscaping, and in the future, opportunities for public art and small concessions, enhancing the pedestrian experience. 

The Meatpacking District Management Association (Meatpacking BID) is lead the project in partnership with design partners Street Plans and TYLin (formerly Sam Schwartz Engineering), with support from the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), and Manhattan Community Boards 2 and 4, as well as local elected officials.

With the opening of Little Island, Pier 57, and Gansevoort Peninsula in the span of just three years, visitors are increasingly heading west via 14th Street to these major destinations. In 2024 alone almost 2 million people crossed Tenth Avenue at West 14th Street, an increase of over 175% versus 2023.

As the West Side continues this pivotal era of development, the Meatpacking BID is pioneering in its management of public space fostering a balanced, pedestrian-friendly streetscape across the District as broader plans along the Hudson are still emerging. Major projects — including the $2 million redesign study of Route 9A, the renovation of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, a completely new esplanade in Hudson River Park from 30th-44th Streets, and the closure of the last remaining Meat Market in the Meatpacking District — are reshaping the waterfront and the adjacent neighborhoods. The evolution calls for a cohesive, accessible, and welcoming shoreline that connects the entire West Side seamlessly.

The West 14th Street expansion marks the second major implementation in the Western Gateway Needs Report and Public Realm Vision, following the successful debut of Gansevoort Landing in 2023. Developed by the Meatpacking BID in collaboration with WXY architecture + urban design and TYLin (formerly Sam Schwartz Engineering), the Western Gateway Vision Plan builds upon recent mobility and public space improvements along Ninth Avenue from Gansevoort to West 15th Streets. Retaining the historic nature and feel of the District while incorporating unique aspects of its emerging character from retailers and others are integral to the transformation.