New installation adds seats, shade to Lou Gehrig Plaza
The 161st Street Business Improvement District is working to activate the plaza with a new structure that will provide much-needed shade and seats for people.
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Lou Gehrig Plaza is a busy pass through in the neighborhood, sandwiched between the Grand Concourse and Yankee Stadium.
The 161st Street Business Improvement District is working to activate the plaza with a new structure that will provide much-needed shade and seats for people.
"I want to bring things here, you see in other parts of the city, you see it in Brooklyn, you see it in Flat Iron, other parts of Manhattan, you don't see it in the Bronx," said Trey Jenkins, the executive director of the 161st Street Business Improvement District.
On Tuesday, people enjoyed the first activation, a live music in the plaza. Jenkins says this is an introductory of what's to come for the remainder of this year.
"I want to do more watch parties here, I want to bring a concession stand here, and do more interactive things with the community, businesses and people who come through the district," said Jenkins.
The BID worked with MUD Workshop, Habitat Workshop and Sighte Studio to use community engagement to design the installation called SAIL. The multipurpose installment uses shade, seating and color to provide vibrancy to the plaza.
"I'm looking forward to it changing over time, because people will bring their own flavor and their need to transform it continuously," said Jieun Yang, with Habitat Workshop.
On Saturday, the community will be invited out to help decorate the installation.
SAIL will be up with events through December. Jenkins says it will likely return next year as a permanent fixture to the plaza.
