New paving, better lighting, and more attractive security features are on the way to the Financial District in 2008. The upgrades are all part of the New York Stock Exchange–area streetscape-improvement plan kicked off by the city and Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) in 2003.
With the first phase of work complete, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) plans to launch phase two thanks to a $15 million grant from the LMDC. EDC and Rogers Marvel Architects are finalizing designs that will help beautify the streetscape while providing security throughout the all-pedestrian zone.
Summary
The areas set for improvement are Nassau Street south of Pine, Wall Street from William to New Street, and Broad Street from Beaver to Exchange Place. Each of those streets will be integrated into the streetscape already in place on Broad Street outside the NYSE building and will include Euro-cobble paving, new lighting, and new bronze bollards. New guard booths also may be installed at secure intersections.
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Phase one of the program brought about new wrought-iron fencing around the NYSE, “Euro-cobble” paving, outdoor tables and seating, planters, oversized bronze bollards, and retractable Delta barriers at several area intersections.
One of the more significant new features is a turntable-style vehicle barrier at the south end of Broad Street. The circular barrier, about the width of a car, would be set flush with the street, about 18 inches deep into the roadway. Bollards would align across its center, and the circle would be able to rotate 90 degrees, shifting the line of bollards to allow vehicles to enter or exit the area.
Another proposed detail is a more attractive fence around the northeast corner of the NYSE, as well as special paving or a water feature down Broad Street -- harkening back to the days when a canal ran down its center.
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