>> Chatham Square
In Chatham Square, we see a nexus between neighborhoods and, consequently, we see great potential for commercial development.
The purpose of the Chatham Square Development Zone is to establish this area as Chinatown’s central business district. Chatham Square is well suited for a business center. It is centrally located, and the scale of the square is large, with several tall commercial and residential buildings. Additionally, the Second Avenue Subway is slated to stop in the square, linking the area to the rest of city, and increasing accessibility.
Spot upzoning of lots on the square would allow for the development of
large commercial buildings. The addition of these new buildings will allow
Chatham Square to be home to large banks, international companies, and
many new commercial services. The transfer of development rights from
government owned schools and buildings in the Special Chinatown District
could also be applied to buildings that surround Chatham Square.
Develop: Chatham Square as Commercial Center
Commercial development in Chinatown, centered around Chatham Square, will give the neighborhood a thriving commercial center.
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Current configuration of Chatham Square (click for larger view) |
Currently, the square is wide and confusing for pedestrians. Reconfiguration of the streets flowing into the square would improve the pedestrian experience and create additional land for development. St. James Place would be realigned with the Bowery and renamed to New Bowery, as it was once called. Two new large buildings would create a visual identity for the square, and could house community and cultural facilities, technology accelerators, non-profits, and commercial offices.
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Chatham Square reconfigured so that Bowery flows into New Bowery (currently St. James Place). (Click for larger image) |
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