From its inception, our association has been dedicated to obtaining landmark designation from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for over 20 historically and architecturally important buildings in our neighborhood. We have researched the architectural history of every building on West 56th, West 55th and West 54th Streets and submitted testimony and documentation to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for evaluation of these buildings.

We have successfully achieved landmark status for five buildings.

Our Neighborhood Association was instrumental in the creation of 6½ Avenue. In 2007, architect Brian Nesin, Director of Friends of Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) reached out to our neighborhood association (previously West 54-55 Block Association) to discuss how the series of POPS between 51st and 57th Streets and 6th and 7th Avenues could become a more useful asset.

Our goal was to create safer connections between these blocks and to design and add life to these “lost” spaces. We think of them as small gems of Midtown, where one can sit on a bench away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy lunch while admiring the installations or just relaxing in a small garden. Further, the crosswalks present on 6 1/2 Avenue make crossing the street easier, faster and safer.

The Neighborhood Association members proposed to Community Board 5 (CB5) that the Department of Transportation (DOT) study the POPS from 57th Street to 51st Street. CB5 voted to approve the request and months later, DOT presented the 6½ Avenue plan, complete with crosswalks and stop signs.

The Community Board voted to accept the DOT proposal and construction began and was completed quickly. Street signs that announce 6½ Avenue with stop signs were installed at every intersection.

Images of 6 ½ Avenue