The Meatpacking District, among Manhattan’s liveliest destinations with its cluster of designer shops, trendy restaurants, the High Line and the Whitney Museum, is becoming more pedestrian-friendly.

As of last Wednesday, the long cobblestone stretch on West 14th Street from Ninth to 10th avenues has been transformed into a landscaped promenade for public art, events, seating and community gatherings. The change provides a more pleasing and engaging link west to the High Line, Little Island and the Hudson River.  In 2024 alone almost 2 million people crossed 10th Avenue at West 14th Street, an increase of over 175 percent versus 2023.  

Aside from the enhanced connectivity, the change is expected to improve safety, increase visitor dwell time, and give a lift to retailers. Through the repurposing of the curb lane and transformation of the wide, two-way underutilized cobblestone roadbed, five new gathering areas were created. Apple, Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, Lladró, Lululemon and Puttery for miniature golf are among the retailers on 14th Street between Ninth and 10th avenues.

The Meatpacking District Management Association, also known as the Meatpacking BID, led the project in partnership with two design firms, Street Plans and TYLin, and with support from the New York City Department of Transportation and Manhattan Community Boards 2 and 4, as well as local elected officials.

”This project is a powerful example of the untapped potential of the space outside and how reimagining our streets with people at the center can transform the urban experience,” said Jeffrey LeFrancois, executive director of the Meatpacking District Management Association, in a statement. “As part of the Meatpacking District’s Western Gateway Vision Plan, this project builds on our pedestrian-focused approach to public realm planning.” The plan entails transforming what was long an industrial corridor into a more pedestrian-friendly, connected, and vibrant area.

“All New Yorkers benefit when we reimagine our streets to be vibrant public spaces, and transforming West 14th Street to expand pedestrian space, improve safety for all users, and create a new pedestrian connection between the bustling Gansevoort Plaza and premier public spaces like Little Island and Pier 57 will revolutionize the Meatpacking District neighborhood,” said New York City’s Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez in a statement.

“This project is a shining example of how we can reimagine our streets to put people first. By transforming West 14th Street into a vibrant, green and welcoming promenade, we’re making our city more livable, more walkable and more connected,” said Erik Bottcher, a city council member, in a statement.  

The promenade uses 18 feet of roadway off the curb on each side of the street to create five “custom decks” comprising over 4,000 square feet. Vehicles can still use the street, though there is now just one lane in each direction with dedicated commercial parking and pickup and dropoff zones.

Scandinavian furniture company Vestre provided the decks and sustainably sourced outdoor furniture.  “Our Parklets 2.0 system is designed to turn streets into vibrant, welcoming community spaces — creating places for people to meet, connect and enjoy the city. This project truly captures the spirit of what parklets are all about,” said Kristoffer Vestre, chairman and commercial director for Vestre in the U.S. 

According to officials involved in the project, 14th Street has experienced a reduction in vehicular traffic due to congestion pricing, while pedestrian traffic has increased.

“Streets thrive when designed to meet the area’s commercial and social needs. West 14th Street’s width once served meatpackers loading directly into cold storage buildings, a use not seen in three decades, and so today’s 14th Street demands something different,” said Evan Sweet, director of planning operations for the Meatpacking BID. “Given the success of the Ninth Avenue redesign six years ago, which repurposed the roadway into expansive public plazas, we know this project will be transformative.”