NEW YORK CITY — The groundbreaking has occurred for a unique mixed-use project in the heart of Manhattan. The $500 million project will include the construction of two schools as well as retail and residential components on a 1.5-acre site at 250 E. 57th St.. The World-Wide Group will be partnering with the New York City Public Schools to develop the project.
The first phase of construction will consist of new locations for P.S. 59 and the High School of Art and Design. P.S. 59 currently resides in a temporary location at 250 E. 63rd St., which will be turned into another school once P.S. 59 relocates. Its new campus will increase enrollment from 500 to 730 students. The new High School of Art and Design will be able to accommodate 1,400 students. The two schools will frame and open courtyard that will provide a recreational area for students. A side yard setback along 56th Street will provide another play area. The schools are expected to open in September 2012.
Phase I construction will also include the construction of 38,000 square feet of retail space to be occupied by Whole Foods Market. Phase II construction will add 78,000 square feet of retail space as well as approximately 350 residential units.
In a statement, David Lowenfield, principal of World-Wide Group, said, “We are enthusiastic about our historic partnership with New York City to build these new schools that will improve the quality of the educational experience for so many students in this community. At the same time, the development of new retail and residential spaces has the potential to inspire a transformation of one of the most important intersections in Manhattan into a lively, pedestrian-friendly gateway.”
— Coleman Wood