New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a plan to reshape Gansevoort Square, located in the iconic Meatpacking District, into a vibrant 24/7 community hub.

This new vision aims to transform 66,000 square feet into a dynamic space featuring mixed-income housing, new public spaces, and the potential expansion of renowned cultural institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the High Line.

The project, revealed by First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer at the Association for a Better New York, promises to deliver essential affordable housing and communal areas, reinforcing the Meatpacking District’s status as a global cultural and economic powerhouse.

“We’re tackling generational, city-changing projects because our administration doesn’t shy away from challenges — we embrace them as opportunities to deliver for New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams.

The initiative is set to create up to 600 mixed-income housing units, half of which will be affordable, without requiring public subsidies. Additionally, the plan includes a new 11,200-square-foot public open space, enhancing the area’s accessibility and liveliness.

The proposal also outlines development opportunities on a 45,000-square-foot space, potentially expanding the Whitney Museum and High Line facilities.

“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,” stated NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball.

The decision to vacate the Gansevoort Meat Market early was made collaboratively, unlocking significant potential for the district’s evolution.

The vision aligns with the ‘New’ New York panel’s action plan, which aims to reimagine the city’s commercial districts as lively, round-the-clock destinations.

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi emphasized, “Gansevoort Square is our newest exciting step to make permanent Manhattan’s reawakening post-COVID.”

Local cultural leaders are enthusiastic about the project’s potential. Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, noted, “Culture is at the heart of thriving, healthy neighborhoods.”

The expansion of cultural institutions alongside new housing will foster a more affordable and vibrant New York.

Councilmember Erik Bottcher expressed eagerness to collaborate with stakeholders, stating, “I look forward to working with all stakeholders and the wider community to envision this site for cultural and park uses, along with the potential for much-needed affordable housing.”

The project promises not only to preserve the Meatpacking District’s rich history but also to propel it into a new era of innovation and inclusivity.