Pictured here is the North West quadrant of Washington Square Park. When you study the City’s redesign plan, you’ll see that the diagram calls for a “plaza” in this location and that is currently being constructed here. The word “plaza” conjures up 18th or 19th century ladies with umbrellas sipping tea. Except I realized maybe that image became imprinted in my mind because on the design plans it states that there will be a “central flower bed” within the “1874 1871 historic plaza.” (Because, of course, that’s what we all think of when we envision what Washington Square Park is about … )
There will be a “historic plaza” at all four corners of the redesigned Washington Square Park.
It leads me to believe that when designer George Vellonakis was sitting down with his guidelines from the NYC Parks Department about the “renovation” of this Park, that, instead of recognizing the strengths of the park, he approached it as if the Park needed a total overhaul in character and orientation. Except it doesn’t. (There are other theories on why this might be happening.)
I watched the workers working at the corner spot at Waverly and Washington Square West a couple of weeks ago and they were digging up dirt and pouring it on living plants. I found that a bit puzzling to say the least. Also, the care being given to the living trees with the construction swirling around them is of great concern.