East Midtown Waterfront
The East Midtown Waterfront project is part of a grand vision to “close the loop” of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, providing New Yorkers with continuous waterfront open space around Manhattan.
The construction of East Midtown Greenway and Andrew Haswell Green Park Phase 2B is complete. The greenway esplanade is now open to the public. The design of UN Esplanade is currently ongoing.
Filling a Gap
The project fills a major gap in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway between East 38th and East 61st Streets along the East River, providing much-desired waterfront access and open space for the East Midtown community and the public at large.
Its goals:
- Improve access to the East River
- Create new, connected spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Provide waterfront amenities
Constructing a new park and transportation corridor on Manhattan’s shore
What’s in an Esplanade?
The East Midtown Waterfront esplanade consists of three sections:
- East 38th–41st Streets/Waterside Pier: An existing City-owned structure formerly used by Con Edison. (Construction completed in 2016).
- East 41st–53rd Streets/the UN Esplanade: This middle section of the esplanade would pass by the UN campus. (Design in progress).
- East 53rd–61st Streets/the ODR Esplanade: East Midtown Greenway - 53rd to 61st Streets, this northern section of the esplanade connects to Andrew Haswell Green Park at 62nd Street and includes a pedestrian bridge to East 54th Street. (Open to public in 2023).
Manhattan Waterfront Greenway
The Vision: Closing the Loop
Guided by four principles:
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Maximize the location along the waterfront
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Enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists
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Improve access from upland areas
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Account for sea-level rise
What Led to Now
In April 2017, the mayor announced capital funding for design and construction for the East Midtown Greenway – 53rd to 61st Streets, along with an upland ‘flyover’ connection at 54th Street. An RFP for a designer followed that summer and the selected team led by Stantec began design in October 2017. Construction was completed in 2023. We'll be commencing pile repairs supporting the Alice Aycock Pavilion in late 2024.
For the UN Esplanade - 41st to 53rd Streets, through a public RFP process, a design team led by AECOM was selected and started in November 2023. Design is expected to complete by 2026.
Community Roots
For the East Midtown Greenway - 53rd to 61st Streets, the design phase that began in 2017 was only possible after years of conceptual planning and collaboration with East Midtown communities in the neighborhoods of Turtle Bay, Kips Bay, Sutton Place, Tudor City, and Murray Hill. As we progress with the pile repairs, we'll continue to coordinate with CB8.
For the UN Esplanade - 41st to 53rd Streets, we look forward to continuing to work with the community as the project moves forward. We’ll be attending CB6 meetings to continue to provide updates.
Our partners also include NYC Parks, NYCDOT, and local elected officials. The East Midtown Waterfront’s goals are in accordance with Vision 2020: New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan and OneNYC.
Art-Driven Design
For the East Midtown Greenway - 53rd to 61st Streets, in partnership with NYC Parks and NYCDOT, we selected an environmental artist to serve on the design team. Stacy Levy joined the team after an extensive selection process—culminating at a public meeting in February 2018—and involving an invitational competition with 47 artists, interviews, and a presentation before the community.
For the UN Esplanade - 41st to 53rd Streets, we'll be coordinating with the community for the selection and programming of arts.
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November 9, 2023 Presentation to CB8 Parks & Waterfront Committee
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February 27, 2023 Presentation to CB6 Land Use and Waterfront Committee
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October 2022 Construction Update
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October 13, 2022 Presentation to CB8 Parks & Waterfront Committee and 197-A Queensboro Bridge Area Committee
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July 2022 Construction Update
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March 10, 2022 Presentation to CB8 Parks & Waterfront Committee and 197-A Queensboro Bridge Area Committee
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April 8, 2021 Presentation to CB8 Parks & Waterfront Committee and 197-A Queensboro Bridge Area Committee
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October 8, 2020 Presentation to CB8 Parks & Waterfront Committee
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September 29, 2020 Presentation to CB6 Land Use and Waterfront Committee
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December 5, 2019 Presentation to CB8 Parks & Waterfront Committee and 197-A Queensboro Bridge Area Committee
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February 7, 2019 Presentation to CB8 Parks & Waterfront Committee and 197-A Queensboro Bridge Area Committee
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January 28, 2019 Presentation to CB6 Land Use and Waterfront Committee
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June 27, 2018 Presentation to CB8 197-A Queensboro Bridge Area Committee
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June 25, 2018 Presentation to CB6 Land Use and Waterfront Committee
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March 28, 2018 Presentation to CB8 197-A Queensboro Bridge Area Committee
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March 26, 2018 Presentation to CB6 Land Use and Waterfront Committee
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January 22, 2018 Presentation to CB6 Land Use & Waterfront Committee
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November 27, 2017 Presentation to CB6 Land Use and Waterfront Committee
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June 7, 2017 Presentation to CB6 Land Use & Waterfront Committee
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November 6, 2013 Presentation to Community Board 6 Land Use & Waterfront Committee
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May 2012 Presentation to East Midtown Waterfront Community Working Group
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June 2013 Presentation to East Midtown Waterfront Community Working Group
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East Midtown Waterfront Q&A
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Environmental Assessment FHWA Finding of No Significant Impact for UN and ODR Esplanade
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Final Design Report and Environmental Assessment for UN and ODR Esplanade Volume 1
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Final Design Report and Environmental Assessment for UN and ODR Esplanade Volume 2 (Appendices A-B)
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Final Design Report and Environmental Assessment for UN and ODR Esplanade Volume 3 (Appendices C-O)
Learn more about the UN Esplanade project.
On the Waterfront
