MNLA MNLA

Freeman Plaza

Sectors

Connections, Mixed-Use

Services

Landscape Architecture, Master Planning, Urban Design

Client

Hudson Square BID

Location

New York, NY

Status

Complete

Completion

2013

Site Area

33,172 SF

MNLA developed a comprehensive public realm master plan for Hudson Square, a once industrial neighborhood that is now an epicenter of New York City’s dynamic creative industries. The plan proposes far-reaching initiatives to create a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable network of spaces.

MNLA’s plan for the district identified an extreme shortage of public space. Though the neighborhood bears the brunt of Holland Tunnel traffic, there are two acres of unused space among the four tunnel approach routes. With some creative planning and the cooperation of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Hudson Square BID, three temporary but long-term landscapes have taken root. 

Within these three spaces, it is remarkably quiet, as cars no longer honk once they are in the queue to enter the tunnel. The design augments existing mature trees with understory and low-level plantings and infilled the large ballast stone surface with finer-grain aggregates.  Simple platforms of recycled lumber support tables and chairs as well as loungers.  After a couple of successful years of use, the plazas were further enhanced with a Noguchi play sculpture, a synthetic turf surface for events and solar wifi charging stations.  Today, lunchtime yoga and music events frequent the space, and many district workers find themselves enjoying the spacious, sunlit, and serene comfort of Freeman Plaza.

What could be more unlikely than public space in the midst of Holland Tunnel traffic?  

1 / 13
Freeman Plaza West
2 / 13
Freeman Plaza West
3 / 13
Freeman Plaza West
4 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
5 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
6 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
7 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
8 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
9 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
10 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
11 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
12 / 13
Freeman Plaza East
13 / 13
Freeman Plaza East

Awards

Press