Mayor Adams unveils plan to transform Gansevoort Square into vibrant community hub

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled an ambitious plan today to transform Gansevoort Square into a dynamic community hub that encapsulates living, working, playing, and learning. The proposed redevelopment, spanning approximately 66,000 square feet, aims to blend mixed-income housing, public space, and cultural institutions, positioning the area as a vital destination for both residents and visitors.

Speaking at the Association for a Better New York, First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer highlighted the project’s potential to enhance the city’s cultural landscape while addressing the critical need for affordable housing. “In one area, we are delivering on much-needed affordable housing, creating more public space, and offering opportunities for two cultural icons to expand,” she stated.

Mayor Adams expressed his commitment to tackling generational challenges head-on: “We’re thrilled to unveil our next big project — transforming 66,000 square feet at Gansevoort Square into 600 mixed-income housing units, a massive new open pavilion, and the city’s next cultural and artistic hub. The potential we have here is endless, and we’re excited to take the next steps towards turning our vision into a reality.”

The project includes plans for up to 600 mixed-income housing units, including approximately 300 affordable units without the need for public subsidy. Additionally, a new public space of over 11,000 square feet will be created, along with the opportunity for the Whitney Museum of American Art to expand, enhancing its capacity for galleries and educational spaces.

“This is an incredible opportunity to not only deliver needed housing for New Yorkers, but create a vibrant 24/7 live, work, play, and learn community right in the heart of one of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods,” said Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

The Gansevoort Square redevelopment is poised to significantly impact the neighborhood, long defined by its meat processing heritage. As John Jobbagy, President of Gansevoort Market, Inc., noted, “This opportunity has come along at the right time and meets our needs. Our city thrives on advancement and improvement — and we look forward to the creation of new housing for New Yorkers, new open space, and the potential for much more.”

The initiative aligns with the city’s broader goals to reimagine commercial districts as vibrant, resilient spaces that foster community engagement and economic growth. Community engagement will be essential, with plans for discussions involving local stakeholders, including Councilmember Erik Bottcher and Community Board 2.

The Gansevoort Square vision represents a pivotal chapter in the Meatpacking District’s evolution, reinforcing the area’s status as a global destination while addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in New York City. With the support of various stakeholders and community partners, Mayor Adams’ administration is poised to usher in a new era of urban development that promises to benefit all New Yorkers.