The revamped streetscape delivers upgrades to security checkpoints

This fall marks an important milestone for Lower Manhattan, as the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) completes the second phase of comprehensive security and streetscape improvements around the New York Stock Exchange area. Phase 2 of the project, which began construction in the spring of 2008, enhances the Financial District’s aesthetics while improving essential security conditions.

“Lower Manhattan continues to undergo a remarkable transformation into a vibrant neighborhood with new housing, new and enhanced parks, and an attractive business community,” said Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber. “The revitalization of the area adjacent to the New York Stock Exchange is central to that.”

A tour of the area, bounded by Broadway, Pine, William, and Beaver, reveals several enhancements completed this summer, most notably the distinctive “eurocobble” paving along Wall and Broad streets. That cobble paving is accompanied by a series of interpretive elements that showcase the history of this important landmark district.

Among them are a series of wooden pavers along Wall Street,

The canal that once ran down Broad Street also is marked by a unique paving scheme

The revamped streetscape also delivers significant upgrades to security checkpoints surrounding the district, including two sets of state-of-the-art “turntable” barriers at both the Broad and Beaver, and Wall and William intersections. These new devices dramatically altered the appearance of security posts -- improving pedestrian access and helping to beautify historic view corridors. Designed by Rogers Marvel Architects with Bovis Lend Lease as construction manager, the improvements also include unique bronze bollards called “no-gos” to the area’s perimeter.

The city began the project several years ago, as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s vision to transform post-9/11 Lower Manhattan into a vibrant “live/work” neighborhood.

“In 2002, the Mayor set out a bold vision to create a 24/7 community in Lower Manhattan,” said Lieber. “And every day we are taking critical steps to support new business, new retail, and new public amenities towards achieving that.”

This $15 million second phase of the streetscape work was made possible by a $28 million grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which also covered Phase 1 work. Additional contributions were made by the New York Stock Exchange and the Bank of New York.

Throughout the project, EDC worked closely with a series of city agencies including the Police Department, and the Departments of City Planning and Transportation. The Downtown Alliance, the Business Improvement District for Lower Manhattan, was an essential partner helping with public outreach and coordination in the area, and now continues to assist with maintenance in the district.

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