1166 W 46th St

In the heart of New York City, amidst the towering skyscrapers and the ceaseless rhythm of urban life, lies a valuable yet often quietly appreciated public space: the plaza at 1166 Avenue of the Americas. While not a "park" in the traditional sense with vast green lawns, this carefully designed urban environment provides a much-needed respite and a functional pathway for pedestrians in Midtown Manhattan. Known as a Privately Owned Public Space (POPS), it's a testament to New York's innovative approach to urban planning, ensuring that even in the densest areas, there are spots for locals and visitors to pause, connect, and experience the city's unique charm. This plaza offers a blend of tranquility and the characteristic Midtown buzz, making it a suitable destination for a quick break, a casual meeting, or simply a moment to soak in the surrounding architectural grandeur.

The public space at 1166 Avenue of the Americas is prominently situated at 1166 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10036, USA. This address places it squarely in Midtown Manhattan, specifically between West 45th and West 46th Streets on Sixth Avenue (also known as Avenue of the Americas). It’s integrated with the impressive 1166 Avenue of the Americas building, also known historically as the International Paper Building. Its location is truly central, making it a prime spot for observing the city's pulse while remaining easily accessible to countless attractions, businesses, and transportation hubs.

Accessibility is one of the most significant advantages of this Midtown plaza. Its central location means it's incredibly well-connected to New York City's unparalleled public transportation network. The 47-50th Streets–Rockefeller Center subway station (B, D, F, M lines) is just a short walk away, offering immediate access to multiple subway routes. The 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal station (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, S lines) and Grand Central Terminal (4, 5, 6, 7, S lines, and Metro-North Railroad) are also within comfortable walking distance, or a very short subway ride. This allows for seamless travel from virtually any part of the city, whether you're commuting from another borough, arriving from a suburban area, or simply exploring Manhattan on foot. For locals, this means the plaza at 1166 6th Avenue is a convenient spot to meet friends, grab a coffee, or take a momentary break during a busy day in Midtown, all without having to venture far from major transit points. The surrounding area is highly walkable, making it easy to combine a visit to the plaza with other nearby attractions like Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Theater District.

As a Privately Owned Public Space (POPS), the plaza at 1166 Avenue of the Americas offers a range of services designed to enhance the urban experience for pedestrians. These services focus on providing comfort, convenience, and a welcoming environment.

Services Offered:

• 24-Hour Public Access: The plaza and its through-block passage are generally open to the public 24 hours a day, providing constant accessibility for pedestrians.
• Ample Seating: The plaza is notably designed with "abundant seating," including fixed benches and even "134 movable chairs," allowing users to configure their own social environment. This is a significant feature for a Midtown public space.
• Water Features: The presence of a "square brick water fountain and pool" and a "narrow channel of water" that meanders through the space offers a calming auditory element and visual interest, especially for an urban environment.
• Public Art: The plaza features notable artwork, including a black aluminum abstract sculpture by Tony Smith titled "Throwback" (1976-1979), which appears to float on the water, and a 9/11 memorial sculpture.
• Through-Block Circulation: The plaza serves as a crucial through-block pedestrian connection between West 45th and West 46th Streets, offering both an open-air route and a covered arcade for various weather conditions.
• Landscaping: While not a traditional park, the space incorporates "quality landscaping," including shrubbery, trees (a "miniature forest of trees" is mentioned near 46th Street), and planter ledges to provide greenery.
• Dining Proximity: The plaza is often frequented by food purveyors and is adjacent to the Ground Central Cafe, offering convenient options for a quick bite or a coffee.
• Bike Parking: Bicycle racks are available, supporting eco-friendly transportation.
• Drinking Fountain: A public drinking fountain is provided for convenience.

The distinct features and highlights of the public space at 1166 Avenue of the Americas contribute to its appeal as a vibrant urban amenity.

Features / Highlights:

• High Usage and Popularity: Historically noted for one of the highest rates of use among outdoor public spaces in the city, indicating its effectiveness and desirability.
• Flexible Seating Options: The inclusion of movable chairs is a key highlight, empowering users to arrange seating to their preference, fostering a more engaging and adaptable public space.
• Calming Water Elements: The unique water features, including fountains and meandering channels, create a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the surrounding urban bustle.
• Integrated Art Collection: The presence of significant public art pieces adds a cultural dimension to the plaza, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
• Seasonal Activities: The plaza has historically hosted events like "summer music series" and has attracted "a variety of food purveyors," adding to its dynamic offerings.
• Architectural Context: Located at the base of a significant 44-story office tower designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the plaza is an integral part of a major architectural landmark.
• Strategic Location: Its position between two major cross-streets and near numerous subway lines makes it an ideal spot for quick breaks, lunch, or simply passing through.
• Well-Maintained: Public data indicates that the management "carefully maintains the space," ensuring a pleasant and clean environment for users.

As a public plaza, 1166 Avenue of the Americas does not typically offer its own commercial "promotions or special offers." Its primary purpose is to provide a free and accessible public amenity. However, its prime Midtown location means that visitors to the plaza are perfectly positioned to benefit from a multitude of promotions offered by surrounding businesses.

Promotions or Special Offers (Indirectly Related):

• Nearby Dining Deals: Numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity often feature lunch specials, happy hour promotions, and pre-theater dining options.
• Retail Discounts: High-end and everyday retail stores along Sixth Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and within Rockefeller Center frequently have seasonal sales, exclusive discounts, and loyalty programs.
• Theater and Entertainment Packages: Being steps away from Broadway, visitors can often find last-minute theater tickets, lottery tickets, or discounted show-and-dinner packages.
• Building Amenities: While not a direct promotion for the plaza, the 1166 Avenue of the Americas building itself offers amenities like a new amenity center with a coffee bar, lounge, and fitness center, as well as a conference center that could be relevant for tenants or event attendees.

For the most up-to-date offers from surrounding establishments, it's always advisable to check their individual websites or local listings.

Since 1166 Avenue of the Americas refers to a privately owned public space integrated with a commercial building, direct contact information for the "park" itself is not typically provided for public inquiries. However, information about the building management can be useful for general questions related to the property.

Contact Information:

Address: 1166 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Phone:

For general inquiries about the building or its public spaces, you would typically reach out to the managing agent for the property. Public information indicates the managing agent is Cushman & Wakefield, located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10104, and their phone number is (212) 841-7500. This number would be for building management inquiries, not specifically for the public plaza as a recreational entity.

For New Yorkers, the public plaza at 1166 Avenue of the Americas is a superb example of how urban design can enhance daily life. It’s particularly suitable for locals because it offers a practical, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing space in one of the city's busiest districts. Whether you're working in Midtown and need a breath of fresh air, meeting a friend for lunch, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the urban buzz, this plaza provides the perfect setting. The availability of movable chairs, the soothing water features, and the integrated public art elevate it beyond a simple thoroughfare. Its seamless connectivity to multiple subway lines makes it an incredibly convenient stop on your daily commute or during a weekend exploration. For a city that thrives on constant motion, having a well-maintained, welcoming public space like 1166 Avenue of the Americas is invaluable, offering a slice of calm and a true taste of New York's sophisticated urban environment.

1166 W 46th St

1166 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA