Walking Tour: Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) in Midtown North

The large, undeveloped, untaxed open spaces provided to the public by the Lever House and the Seagram Building triggered a significant innovation and experiment in New York City’s 1961 Zoning Resolution (61ZR). One of several new zoning initiatives was "Incentive Zoning", which, in this case, was implemented through the creation of Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS). The concept of POPS is New York City’s reinterpretation of the modernist urban design concept of the “Towers in the Park,” applied to an extraordinarily dense, urban core where available land is limited and cost is at a premium. POPS are a triple win: owners and developers are allowed to build larger buildings as-of-right; the public gains access to additional public space; and New York City receives increased annual property tax revenue generated by the added taxable building square footage.

This walk weaves through a variety of POPS (Open, Enclosed, and Arcades) from 58th to 46th Streets and from Third to Sixth Avenues. If we encounter inclement weather, we can take refuge indoors. If it is brutally hot or frigidly cold, we will find relief in climate-controlled interiors. If it is gorgeous outside, we will enjoy the city from its open spaces. We may even find a rare New York City gem— a clean and available public restroom!

AIANY Guide: William M. Singer, AIA, LEED AP BD + D

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A personal audio system will be in use for this tour. To insure each guest will receive a device, please arrive promptly 15 minutes prior to the start time. Tour is limited to 17 attendees. Walkups cannot be guaranteed a spot on the tour. 

Health and Safety Guidelines:
AIANY cannot be held liable and assumes no responsibility for any injury or loss incurred by participants in these programs. 

Cancellation Policy: 
AIANY Walking Tours take place rain or shine, please dress for the weather. There are no refunds, cancellations, or exchanges, unless we cancel a tour.