In a bold move to reshape the Meatpacking District, Mayor Eric Adams announced a transformative vision for Gansevoort Square, aiming to create a vibrant community hub that offers mixed-income housing, public open spaces, and the potential for expanding cultural institutions.

This initiative, unveiled by First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer at the Association for a Better New York, encompasses approximately 66,000 square feet and is set to redefine the area as a bustling destination for both residents and visitors.

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

“Today, 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. I’m grateful to our partners at the Gansevoort Meat Market, Councilmember Bottcher, the Whitney, the High Line, and more with whom we’re embarking on this next chapter in Gansevoort Square’s history together.”

The new plan promises to deliver on several community needs, including affordable housing.

“The new vision for Gansevoort Square is the type of exciting, forward-looking project our administration is known for and the exact kind of project we want our city to continue to dream up and deliver,” Torres-Springer remarked.

“In one area, we are delivering on much-needed affordable housing, creating more public space, and offering opportunities for two cultural icons to expand.”

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi added, “Alongside our partners in the cultural and business communities, we are transforming our central business districts into true live, work, and play hubs with desperately-needed homes, vibrant street life, public art, and all of New York’s creativity on full display.”

The initiative includes plans for up to 600 mixed-income housing units, with a target of 300 affordable units, all without public subsidy. Additionally, a new 11,200-square-foot public open space will be created, alongside opportunities for the Whitney Museum of American Art and the High Line to expand.

“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 Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

As the Meatpacking District transitions, community leaders are enthused about the potential for cultural enrichment and additional housing.

“Culture is at the heart of thriving, healthy neighborhoods, and the potential for this vision to expand space for the Whitney and the High Line alongside new housing would make for a dynamic new hub in the heart of the Meatpacking District,” said Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Gansevoort Square project is rooted in the recommendations from the ‘New’ New York panel, which aims to revitalize the city’s commercial districts into thriving 24/7 destinations. The upcoming community engagement process will involve discussions with local stakeholders, ensuring that the development aligns with community needs and aspirations.

As excitement builds around this ambitious plan, various stakeholders have expressed their support. “Creating affordable housing and supporting our treasured cultural institutions are core principles of our work at Community Board 2,” said Susan Kent, chair of Community Board 2. “We are eager to learn more and do our part to achieve the best possible results for our community and our city.”

With a focus on collaboration and community engagement, the vision for Gansevoort Square promises to usher in a new era of growth and cultural vitality in New York City.