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For four consecutive Saturdays in October (10/9, 10/16, 10/23, and 10/30), Prince Street between Broadway and Mercer Street will be closed to vehicular traffic via the Initiative’s collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Open Streets program. Instead, the block will feature seating and tables, as well as more space to casually stroll with more elbow room than SoHo’s crowded weekend sidewalks.
We are affectionately referring to this temporary public open space installation as “Little Prince Plaza,” in recognition of its diminutive scale yet regal bearing (and of course as a nod to the beloved novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).
The Initiative is hosting this Open Street series following prior pedestrianization events we held with NYCDOT on Howard Street and as a response to feedback the Initiative has heard over many years and most recently during the process of developing our Public Realm Vision plan (scheduled to be released later this month). Some of the most common critiques we have heard from those living in, working in, or visiting the district include a lack of passive public open space, overcrowded sidewalks, and the often overwhelming presence of unpleasant vehicular traffic.
These four Saturdays will create, however briefly, a passive pedestrian-only public space; a site of respite in the midst of the busiest day of the week in the SoHo. Our goal is to observe how people use the space, learn what works well and what can be improved, and collect feedback from those passing through or using this space.
After stopping by “Little Prince Plaza,” we encourage you to take SoHo Memory Project and Gesso‘s free audio walking tour SoHo: A Retrospective. QR codes will be provided on site for your convenience!
Stroll over during Saturday this October to experience this block of Prince Street in a way you never have before!
“Little Prince Plaza”
An Open Street in partnership with NYCDOT
Prince Street between Broadway and Mercer Street
Saturdays October 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
