List of privately owned public spaces in New York City facts for kids
Imagine you're walking around New York City, and you stumble upon a cool little park, a comfy indoor area with benches, or even a wide-open plaza. It might seem like a public park, but it could actually be a special kind of space called a Privately Owned Public Space, or POPS for short!
These spaces were first created in New York City way back in 1961. The city made a deal with companies building big skyscrapers: if they wanted to build taller or bigger buildings, they had to create a public space for everyone to enjoy. It's like a trade-off!
There are over 590 POPS in New York City, mostly in Manhattan. They can be anything from extra-wide sidewalks to indoor areas with comfy seats and sometimes even cafes. One famous POPS, Zuccotti Park, became well-known during the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011.
POPS are supposed to have certain things, like places to sit, and they must always be open to the public. However, as of 2023[update], some of these spaces didn't follow the rules. Sometimes they were closed, or a private business took over the space, or they didn't have the things they were supposed to, like benches.
What are Privately Owned Public Spaces?
POPS are areas that are owned by private companies or people, but they are open for everyone to use. Think of them as mini-parks or plazas that are part of a private building. The idea is to make sure that even as New York City grows with more tall buildings, there are still plenty of places for people to relax and enjoy the city.
Why do POPS exist?
The city uses a special rule called "zoning concessions." This means that if a developer wants to build a very tall or very large building, the city will allow it, but only if the developer agrees to create a public space on their property. It's a way to balance new construction with the need for public areas.
Where can you find POPS?
Most POPS are found in Manhattan, especially in busy areas like Midtown and Downtown. They can be small, like a wider sidewalk with a few benches, or large, like an indoor atrium with lots of seating, plants, and even waterfalls!
Notable Privately Owned Public Spaces
While there are hundreds of POPS, some are more well-known or offer unique features. Here are a few examples from different parts of New York City.
Manhattan
Downtown Manhattan
- Zuccotti Park: A famous park near One Liberty Plaza that became a gathering place.
- 180 Maiden Lane: Considered one of the best indoor POPS in downtown Manhattan.
- 55 Water Street: A large building with public spaces.
West Side Manhattan
- One Worldwide Plaza: A large complex with public areas.
- One Central Park West: Features public spaces near Central Park.
Central Midtown Manhattan
- 1535 Broadway, Marriott Marquis: Has public spaces in a very busy part of Times Square.
- 645 Fifth Avenue, Olympic Tower: An indoor POPS with seating.
- 725 Fifth Avenue, Trump Tower: Features an indoor atrium.
- 767 Fifth Avenue, General Motors Building: Known for its large plaza.
East Midtown Manhattan
- 153 East 53rd Street, Citigroup Center: Features a large indoor atrium.
- Paley Park (3 East 53rd Street): A small, peaceful park known for its waterfall.
- 845 First Avenue, Trump World Tower: Includes public spaces.
Upper East Side Manhattan
- 167 East 61st Street, Trump Plaza: Offers public areas in a residential neighborhood.
- 200 East 69th Street, Trump Palace: Another residential building with public spaces.
Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn
- 350 Jay Street, Renaissance Plaza
- 1 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn Commons
Queens
Long Island City
See also
