Grace Plaza is a privately-owned public space (POPS) located at the corner of 6th Avenue and 43rd Street. Originally designed in 1975 as an extension of the WR Grace Building, the plaza was part of a major renovation to 2 Bryant Park. A through-block connection was created between Grace Plaza and Bryant Park by relocating the building’s lobby to 42nd Street. As the plaza is over structure, elevated planters were needed for tree planting.
MNLA’s design brings the plaza into compliance with current Department of City Planning (DCP) POPS standards. A variety of seating opportunities such as seat walls, integral benches, and spaces for tables and chairs were created by strategic placement of the linear planters. Trees within the planters provide shade for patrons. Two café spaces are available for restaurants
facing the plaza. The north facing plaza welcomes visitors to 2 Bryant Park and provides overflow relief when Bryant Park is heavily used.