Two blocks of Broadway have been transformed into an urban green space

The Garment District now has its own Garden District.

Two blocks of Broadway between 36th and 40th Streets have officially been shut down to traffic for the summer and transformed into the “Garment District Urban Garden,” which will feature a number of free activities through Labor Day Weekend. The temporary plazas opened yesterday along with an unveiling of “Sew and Sew” by Steed Taylor, a street mural referencing the area’s industrial history that stretches 400 feet across the new plazas.

“’Garment District Urban Garden’ has enabled us to provide more summer activations than ever before, transforming the pedestrian experience along Broadway,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. “From the spectacular road tattoo mural created by the tremendously talented Steed Taylor, to the UrbanSpace Garment District food market, and the various new amenities, this expanded summer plazas program truly enhances the area and creates a wonderful space for all to enjoy.” 

The summer garden plazas will feature new café tables and chairs as well as planters, birch trees and birch boxes. In addition to all the extra greenery, and the return of the popular Garment District food market, there will be a free pop-up lemonade stand every Wednesday during lunchtime.

Needless to say, this probably won't be a "secret garden" for long.

Photograph: Courtesy Alexandre Ayer for the Garment District Alliance