Fordham Plaza

Welcome to Fordham Plaza, a vibrant and dynamic centerpiece of the Bronx, New York City! More than just a transit hub, Fordham Plaza has evolved into a thriving urban space, serving as a vital gathering point for locals and visitors alike. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide New Yorkers with a deep dive into all that Fordham Plaza has to offer, from its strategic location to its diverse array of activities and conveniences. Whether you're looking for a lively market experience, convenient shopping, or simply a place to connect with your community, Fordham Plaza is a destination worth exploring right here in the heart of the Bronx.

Fordham Plaza, originally known as Fordham Square, holds a significant place in the fabric of the Fordham and Belmont neighborhoods. It’s a major commercial and transportation nexus, strategically positioned at the eastern end of the bustling Fordham Road commercial strip, which extends through Grand Concourse and Jerome Avenue. This area is renowned as the largest shopping district in the Bronx and ranks as the third largest in all of New York City, making Fordham Plaza an undeniably important commercial anchor. The plaza itself is divided into two distinct areas: a north pavilion and a south pavilion, both managed by ABC Concession and the Department of Transportation, ensuring a well-maintained and active environment.

One of the most notable aspects of Fordham Plaza is its proximity to Fordham University's Rose Hill Campus, with thousands of students and staff members regularly passing through. This collegiate presence adds a youthful and energetic dynamic to the plaza. Beyond the immediate vicinity, Fordham Plaza is also just about a mile from the New York Botanical Garden, one of the city's premier attractions, offering a tranquil escape into nature. The plaza’s modern design, featuring fresh plantings and a variety of seating options, encourages pedestrian activity and offers a welcome respite for the tens of thousands of people who traverse Fordham Road daily. It’s truly a crossroads where daily life, commerce, and community converge.

Fordham Plaza is ideally situated at 402 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA. Its prime location makes it incredibly accessible via various modes of public transportation, cementing its status as a major transit hub for the Bronx and beyond.

For subway riders, the Fordham Road subway station serves as a crucial access point, with the B and D lines providing direct connections to Manhattan and other parts of the Bronx. Additionally, the 4 line, accessible a short walk away, offers another convenient subway option.

The Metro-North Railroad’s Fordham Station is directly above Fordham Plaza, making it an exceptionally convenient location for commuters and those traveling from Westchester County or other northern suburbs. Fordham Station is, in fact, the busiest Metro-North station in the Bronx and the third busiest rail station outside Manhattan, highlighting the plaza's importance as a regional connector. The Metro-North station itself features unique public art installations, including "rose windows" depicting botanical themes, a subtle nod to the nearby New York Botanical Garden.

Fordham Plaza is also a central hub for numerous MTA bus routes. Several bus lines, including the BX12-SBS, BX15, BX17, BX22, and BX41-SBS, have stops directly at or immediately adjacent to the plaza, making it easily reachable from various Bronx neighborhoods and even parts of Queens and Manhattan. The redesign of the bus stops in the area has further improved pick-up and drop-off efficiency, enhancing the overall commuting experience.

For those who prefer to drive, Fordham Plaza offers a multi-level parking garage at One Fordham Plaza with an entrance on 450 East 189th Street. While public transportation is highly recommended due to the plaza's excellent connectivity, parking options are available for added convenience. The area has also seen significant improvements in pedestrian-friendly design, with shortened and direct crosswalks, increasing safety for the nearly 80,000 pedestrians who pass through daily.

Fordham Plaza, while primarily a public pedestrian plaza, offers a variety of services and amenities both within its immediate confines and in the surrounding One Fordham Plaza building. These services cater to the diverse needs of the community:

• Retail Outlets: The area around Fordham Plaza is home to a vast array of retail stores, including major brands like TJ Maxx, Applebee's, Starbucks, and Chipotle within One Fordham Plaza itself. Nearby retailers include Macy's Backstage, Best Buy, and Walgreens, making it a comprehensive shopping destination.
• Food Kiosks and Vendors: The plaza often features food kiosks and various vendors, providing quick bites and diverse culinary options for those passing through or enjoying the space.
• Pedestrian Seating Areas: Throughout the plaza, there are stationary and movable seating elements, offering comfortable spots for people to rest, socialize, or simply observe the bustling urban environment.
• Community Event Space: Fordham Plaza is frequently utilized as a venue for community events, fostering a sense of local engagement and celebration. This includes cultural festivals, local markets, and various public gatherings.
• Public Art Installations: The plaza and the adjacent Metro-North station feature public art, adding to the aesthetic appeal and cultural richness of the area.
• Public Restrooms: While not explicitly stated for the plaza itself, the surrounding commercial buildings likely offer public restroom facilities for shoppers and visitors.
• NYCDOT Plaza Program: As part of the NYC DOT Plaza Program, the space is actively managed to enhance public enjoyment and pedestrian safety.
• Government and Health Services: Within the One Fordham Plaza building, various offices provide essential services, such as the New York State Division of Human Rights and a Family Welcome Center for the NYC Department of Education, making it a hub for administrative and educational support. There are also health centers like the Family Health Center for Montefiore Medical Center and the Union Health Care Center for the New York City Housing Authority.

Fordham Plaza distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its unique character and appeal:

• Bronx Night Market: This highly anticipated event is a significant highlight for Fordham Plaza, drawing large crowds and celebrating the Bronx's vibrant culinary and artistic scene. Featuring an array of food vendors, live music, and local artisans, the Bronx Night Market transforms the plaza into a lively festival atmosphere, offering a fantastic experience for all ages.
• Major Commercial Hub: As part of Fordham Road, the largest shopping district in the Bronx, Fordham Plaza serves as a premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, attracting visitors from across the borough and beyond.
• Architectural Significance: One Fordham Plaza, the prominent building adjacent to the plaza, is an L-shaped, Neo Art Deco-style office complex designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Its distinctive "layer-cake" or "ziggurat" design, with yellow stone, black marble, and polished chrome, makes it a visually interesting landmark in the area.
• Pedestrian-Friendly Redesign: A $34 million renovation project, completed in 2016, transformed Fordham Plaza into an ultra-pedestrian-friendly space. This redesign reduced asphalt, increased pedestrian-only areas by 25%, and implemented shorter, direct crosswalks, significantly enhancing safety and walkability.
• Proximity to Fordham University: Located directly across from Fordham University's Rose Hill Campus, the plaza benefits from the academic energy and diverse population of students and faculty, contributing to its lively atmosphere.
• Transit Connectivity: Its seamless integration with the Metro-North Railroad, multiple subway lines, and numerous bus routes makes Fordham Plaza one of New York City's busiest and most accessible transit hubs.
• Community Gatherings and Festivals: Beyond the Bronx Night Market, Fordham Plaza regularly hosts a variety of community events, from holiday celebrations like "Sparkling the Heart of Fordham" to health and wellness initiatives, fostering a strong sense of local pride and engagement.

While specific, ongoing, direct promotions for Fordham Plaza itself are often event-based (like the Bronx Night Market), the surrounding Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) frequently runs initiatives that benefit visitors to the plaza and the wider commercial area. One such initiative is the "Fordham Bucks" digital rewards card program.

The "Fordham Bucks" promotion aims to support local participating small businesses along Fordham Road. While this particular promotion may be paused at times, it's worth checking the Fordham Road BID website for current and future opportunities. These digital rewards cards, when active, allow users to receive free funds to spend at a variety of participating Fordham Road stores, including footwear shops, beauty and wellness establishments, electronics stores, restaurants, and clothing boutiques. This initiative not only provides a benefit to local shoppers but also helps contribute to the economic recovery and vitality of the Fordham Road commercial corridor. It’s always a good idea to check the Fordham Road BID’s official channels for the most up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers that might be available to enhance your visit to Fordham Plaza and the surrounding area.

For general inquiries related to the management and permitting of Fordham Plaza as a public space, you can refer to the Citywide Event Coordination and Management (CECM) via NYC.gov.

For information related to the One Fordham Plaza building itself, which houses various businesses and offices, and for parking inquiries:

Address: 402 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA

For parking at One Fordham Plaza (LAZ Parking):

Entrance on: 450 East 189th St, Bronx, NY 10458

Phone: (718) 733-6707

For other specific offices located within One Fordham Plaza, such as the NYC Department of Education - Family Welcome Center at Fordham Plaza or the New York State Division of Human Rights, please use their direct contact information:

NYC Department of Education - Family Welcome Center at Fordham Plaza:

Address: 1 Fordham Plaza, 7th FL, Bronx, NY 10458

Phone: (718) 329-8050

New York State Division of Human Rights:

Address: One Fordham Plaza, 4th Floor, Bronx, NY 10458

Toll-free: 1-888-392-3644

Fordham Plaza, with its rich history and ongoing evolution, stands as a prime example of urban revitalization in the Bronx. While some customer feedback notes past issues regarding cleanliness and general appearance, particularly during peak times, it's important to recognize the efforts and events that actively work to enhance the plaza's appeal. The Bronx Night Market, for instance, consistently receives glowing reviews for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, demonstrating the plaza's potential as a cherished community space. These popular events are a testament to the efforts made to bring life and positive experiences to the area.

This dynamic location is truly suitable for New York locals for a multitude of reasons. Its unparalleled accessibility via subway, Metro-North, and numerous bus lines makes it an incredibly convenient destination, reducing the need for private vehicles and promoting sustainable urban living. For shoppers, the sheer density of retail options, from large national chains to local boutiques, ensures that nearly any need can be met within walking distance. Beyond commerce, Fordham Plaza acts as a vital community anchor. It’s a place where neighbors can connect, where families can enjoy the energy of local events like the Bronx Night Market, and where public services are readily available. The plaza's ongoing dedication to improving pedestrian safety and overall urban design reflects a commitment to creating a more livable and enjoyable environment for everyone who lives, works, or visits the Bronx. It's a testament to the borough's resilience and vibrant spirit, offering a bustling, authentic New York experience.

Fordham Plaza

402 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA