Wall Street Journal: Urban Sanctuary Takes Shape at 50 West Street
Beginning this fall, the function of this new 24-hour, privately owned public space will be revealed: Construction is expected to begin then on a 230-foot long pedestrian bridge over the six-lanes of West Street, known as the West Thames Street Bridge.The eastern end of the new span will land on the sidewalk next to the new plaza.The plaza, with an art gallery and a cafe with planters, tables and chairs, will become a gateway for thousands of pedestrians crossing the bridge each day, said Francis Greenburger, chairman of Time Equities Inc., and the developer of 50 West Street. Without the plaza, the bridge would have fed pedestrians onto a narrow sidewalk next to the cityparking garage. "Its design creates far more than a crossing," Mr. Greenburger said. "It creates adynamic pedestrian environment where people want to spend time."...