Since 2014, a group of residents, neighbors and Design Trust fellows have been advocating for reimagining this space. Over the course of the project, they have held more than 25 meetings and participated in dozens of events to discuss how they would like to use the site, provide guidance on local issues and maintenance concerns, and develop design concepts for this prototype. The new space will have benches to relax and catch up with neighbors, a raised platform for performances, tables, paths and new lighting. The biggest difference: no fence! Working closely with Davies Toews Architecture, they've created a design for an accessible and welcoming open space that they can freely move through.

Opening the Edge is a project of the Design Trust for Public Space, in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Davies Toews Architecture; proposed by Artist Jane Greengold. Learn more about the history of the project and our supporters here.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the coming months.

This effort is part of NYCHA’s Connected Communities program, which is focused on transforming and modernizing open spaces by implementing public-private partnerships. The program’s efforts are based on participatory planning and design, and strive to enhance vibrant, safer and more resilient open spaces in NYCHA communities.

This project was awarded capital funding by Council Member Carlina Rivera and then-Borough President Gale Brewer. Additional funding generously provided by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, PARC Foundation, Trinity Church Wall Street Foundation. Public Housing Community Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Building Congress Foundation, Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation.