Hudson Street Redesign

The Hudson Street Redesign transformed a seven-block corridor in Hudson Square, which began as a printing district and evolved into a mixed-use neighborhood and hub for the creative economy on Manhattan’s lower west side. Part of the Hudson Square BID’s first 10-year neighborhood streetscape plan, the improvements made to Hudson Street mark a metamorphosis of an area known for its car congestion near the Holland Tunnel into a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood for pedestrians, filled with innovative energy. Made possible by an unprecedented partnership among the Hudson Square BID, NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and the NYC Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), Hudson Street Redesign enhanced the pedestrian experience and created a safer environment for all users along the corridor. The Hudson Street Redesign restored the balance between pedestrians, cyclists and drivers by reallocating space from previously oversized traffic lanes.

The redesign brings to life a reimagined Hudson Street, with lush plantings, modern park-like spaces, and wider sidewalks for strolling. Located in a dense urban neighborhood with historically limited access to green space, the project reconsiders the sidewalk as a space for social connection. The design includes 8,000+ square feet of newly planted areas filled with various trees, shrubs and perennials, functioning as green infrastructure to improve stormwater management; new, modern benches providing approximately 170 additional seats; 2,000+ square feet of sidewalk café space; a new dedicated and parking-protected bike lane; and 20 new bike parking spaces. Over the seven blocks, 100 trees were planted or retrofitted with the BID’s award-winning Hudson Square Standard (HSS) design treatment, bolstering tree health and yielding measurable environmental and public health benefits.