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Flatiron NoMad Major Corridors Vision Plan

Bringing the people-first qualities of Broadway to Flatiron’s other key corridors

Sector

Civic & Public

Region

North America

Timespan

2024

Credit: Gehl

The Flatiron NoMad district in New York City is grappling with post-pandemic challenges and a need for safer, more vibrant streets. Building on Broadway’s success as a people-first boulevard, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership wanted to apply those lessons to other key corridors. Gehl developed a vision plan and tested pilots for implementation in 2025.

Findings from Gehl’s Public Space Public Life survey revealed Flatiron NoMad’s high foot traffic, which was the result of commuter flows and office schedules. While Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Plazas, and Broadway are popular gathering spots, other parts of the district lacked inviting spaces. This challenge is compounded by the intense demand for curb space, from metered parking and truck loading zones to Citi Bike stations and streeteries. Credit: Gehl
After evaluating challenges and opportunities based on the Flatiron NoMad Partnership’s priorities, community input, Vision Zero goals, transit and mobility studies, and public life observations, Gehl developed a ‘menu’ of seven high-impact, near-term project concepts to enhance placemaking beyond Broadway. Credit: Gehl

From side streets people opt to pass by to vibrant corridors that link some of New York’s most iconic destinations

Since 2007, New York City’s Department of Transportation (DOT), with support from the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, has reclaimed over 75,000 square feet of public space, primarily along Broadway. In 2024, Gehl was tasked with expanding this vision beyond Broadway — guiding the district’s transformation into a model for world class, human-scale streets. 

To achieve this, Gehl first developed a Strategic Vision Framework, followed by a ‘menu’ of near-term pilot concepts to support the district’s gradual transformation. The team conducted interactive workshops to develop a cohesive vision for key corridors, combining the district’s vision with proposed projects, mobility insights, and takeaways from the assessment of current site conditions. 

Following that, they outlined strategies for initial implementation. From these discussions, three concepts were selected for design development and roll out in 2025. Additional projects, though not prioritized for immediate development, remain part of the plan for the area and will be pursued in collaboration with partners such as DOT or local retailers. By centering communities’ lived experiences and using pilots to test, measure, and refine ideas, Gehl helped build consensus and excitement among Flatiron NoMad interested parties — laying the groundwork for lasting, meaningful change. 

Of the seven near-term pilot concepts that were created, three were selected for further development, including detailed site designs, cost estimates, and implementation plans. Credit: Gehl
Anna Muessig, Senior Project Director, Partner Rebecca Cook, Project Manager Clara Bitter, Senior Designer Helena Wolf, Designer
Credit: Gehl

Reimagining Duisburg, Germany’s industrial site as a vibrant public destination

  • Place Activation
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy
The river lies right on the city’s doorstep and offers a relaxing respite from the urban hustle and bustle, yet it is often difficult for all users to access. Credit: Gehl

Revitalizing and connecting Melbourne’s city centre to its riverfront

  • Place Activation
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy
Gehl supported in positioning our client in becoming an open and collaborative leader on urban resilience, women and climate action in the Global South. Credit: Expo City Dubai

Conceptualising the first sustainable cities forum dedicated to the MEASA region

  • Place Activation
  • Community Engagement
  • Urban Strategy
Broadway at Times Square in 2009, after Gehl worked with the City of New York and the Department of Transport on a major urban realm and bicycle strategy. Credit: Department of Transport (DOT)

Redefining New York City’s relationship with its streets

  • Place Activation
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: Mark Wickens

Upholding Google’s goal to be a helpful neighbor

  • Place Activation
  • Urban Strategy
The public realm poses a challenge to healthy food access in peripheral neighborhoods of Bogotá. Steep terrain, lack of transportation, and limited healthy food offerings make it difficult for Bogotanos to access the fresh produce needed to cook at home. The nature of the public realm forces people to rely on processed and fast food that is more accessible and heavily advertised. Credit: Gehl

Working across silos to address Bogotá’s food deserts through public space improvements

  • Community Engagement
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy

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