DOT, Parks and NYU propose Bleecker Street entry redesign to link Bleecker landscape

City agencies and NYU presented a schematic plan to refurbish the small public entry area on the southwest corner of Bleecker and Mercer Streets, adjacent to the public atrium at 181 Mercer, at the Community Board 2 Parks and Waterfront Committee meeting in June 2020.

Rachel Belsky (project consultant) and Michael Van Valkenburgh partner Paul Seck described a design intended to continue the tree canopy, widened “double” sidewalk and planting-bed character used elsewhere on Bleecker Street. “The major idea here is to pull the Bleecker Street landscape and the plant beds … and pull that same feeling to create some continuity,” Seck said.

The proposal covers a DOT-owned public space and was prepared in collaboration with DOT’s urban-design and wayfinding staff and Parks’ Manhattan landscape team. Major features include four shade trees (swamp white oak), wider-than-standard concrete sidewalks matching the existing Bleecker streetscape, raised planting beds with coordinated railings to match existing materials, bench seating compatible with nearby LaGuardia Place furnishings and LED park-style lighting.

Why it matters: The entry sits on a primary pedestrian corridor linking parks and open spaces around the superblocks. Designers said the project will visually and functionally connect the Bleecker landscape to the Mercer/LaGuardia blocks, improving circulation and adding seasonal plantings. The site is in DOT’s portfolio as a DOT-owned sidewalk/green-street area; the presentation noted it will follow city standards for sidewalks and furnishings.

Key design points - Trees: Swamp white oaks proposed (selected for urban tolerance and a similar character to the existing green ash that is declining due to emerald ash borer). - Planting and seating: Planting-bed forms and rail fences will match the Bleecker Street palette; concrete sidewalks and park-style benches will match streetscape on LaGuardia Place. - Lighting and furnishings: Three Parks-type LED light poles will be added near plant beds; a city-standard trash receptacle is planned at the corner. - Access and utilities: The design avoids Con Edison vault clearance zones and provides ADA companion seating at plant beds; designers noted Con Edison and other utility restrictions drove some layout choices.

Public questions and timing Committee members and residents asked about plant species, the possibility of including serviceberries underplantings, and the timeline tied to completion of the 181 Mercer development. Rachel Belsky said the entry will be completed in conjunction with the building schedule; presenters estimated the streetscape work would be installed by spring 2022 and the atrium opening and final activation in fall 2022, though exact dates depend on construction schedules.

DOT deputy design staff member Nick Patnotti (Deputy Director, Urban Design) said the public-design review process will include the Public Design Commission. Designers also said they would confirm Citi Bike relocations (several participants asked whether docks moved during the 181 Mercer construction would be restored or adjusted).

Discussion vs. decision This was a schematic presentation and not a formal vote. Presenters asked for the committee’s resolution of support for submission to the Public Design Commission and for continued coordination on tree species and furnishings. Committee members recommended additional planting diversity where feasible and asked DOT to follow up on Citi Bike placement questions.

Next steps Designers said the project will proceed to Public Design Commission review and that the team welcomes a committee resolution in support. DOT, Parks and NYU will finalize plant palettes and lighting details and return with construction timing tied to the 181 Mercer opening.

Ending: The design team presented a pedestrian-focused, city-standard approach intended to knit the Bleecker landscape to surrounding open spaces; the committee asked for a resolution of support to allow Parks and DOT to pursue Public Design Commission review and to continue refining planting details and Citi Bike placement.