Grace Plaza

Grace Plaza is a prominent public space located at the center of New York City. Situated at the intersection of 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, the bustling public plaza offers a mix of commercial, recreational, and cultural amenities. Characterized by its open layout, the plaza has pedestrian-friendly pathways, generous seating areas, and lush greenery that provide a respite from the surrounding skyscrapers. Its location and accessibility make it a popular spot to relax and enjoy Midtown’s vibrant energy.

The material palette of the plaza was carefully selected to complement the urban character of the city. Jet Mist Granite was reincorporated from the previous plaza design for its durability while Solid Brazilian Ipe Walnut was used for the seating benches to provide a warm contrast from the industrial stone. Additionally, raised plant beds and tall trees bring a green vitality to the open space.

City New York, NY

Year 2023

Size 19,800 sq ft

Client Brookfield Properties & The Swig Company

Landscape Architect Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects

Pavilion Architect Gensler

Connection to Bryant Park

MdeAS’ repositioning of Two Bryant Park creates an intuitive connection from Grace Plaza to Bryant Park. By repositioning the lobby to 42nd Street, we carved out a double-height concourse that seamlessly guides tenants and visitors from the plaza to the park.

Unique in New York City, Two Bryant Park stands adjacent to only the Grace Building providing an opportunity for continuous retail along three sides of the building. A seamless continuation of the curtainwall, the storefronts are designed to create an experience from the inside out. Together with increased landscaping, strategically designed seating, and improved lighting, Grace Plaza serves tenants and the public, reinvigorating this previously underutilized space and enlivening the neighborhood.