District Design Fellowship: WHEDco (Melrose, Bronx)

Melrose Bronx MELROSE DISTRICT FRAMEWORK PLAN PERKINS EASTMAN March 2026

Contents

Part 01

Project Introduction

01 - Commitment Statement - pg. 5 02 - Project Summary - pg. 8 03 - Our vision - pg. 24

Part 02

04 - Understanding The Community - pg. 34

Research & Analysis

05 - Understanding The Site - pg. 40

Part 03

07 - Framework Masterplan - pg. 70

Framework Masterplan

08 - Concept Ideas - pg. 76

Part 04

10 - Near-term Pilot Projects - pg. 86

Phasing

11 - Short-Term Implementation - pg. 96

06 - Analysis and Design Drivers - pg. 66

09 - Mobility Vision - pg. 80

12 - Long-Term Vision - pg. 102

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Part 01

Project Introduction 01 - Commitment Statement 02 - Project Summary 03 - Our Vision

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MOUNT EDEN CLAREMONT

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

CONCOURSE

CONCOURSE VILLAGE MORRISANIA

BMH

MELROSE

MOTT HAVEN Base map data © Google Earth

01.

Commitment Statement Melrose/Morrisania study area sits at the geographic center of the South Bronx, yet remains under connected and fragmented—positioned between districts and largely outside recent flows of investment. This corridor is not lacking in assets or community strength; it requires a renewed vision, informed by the past 20 years of growth since the original master plan, to fully realize its future potential.

This initiative is a clear commitment to prioritize the Melrose/Morrisania commercial corridor as a place of opportunity, culture, resilience and economic vitality. With focused attention, strategic design, and collaborative partnerships, Melrose/ Morrisania can emerge as a destination in its own right—one that complements and connects to nearby anchors such as the 149th Street BID, 161st Street BID, West Concourse, Yankee Stadium, and Mott Haven, rather than being defined by its separation from them.

Situated between two established Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), the corridor has historically faced challenges in alignment, visibility, and resource allocation. Yet this in-between condition also presents a powerful opportunity: to serve as a bridge between districts and a testing ground for cross-corridor collaboration.

Future partnerships with neighbouring BIDs, Yankees, BXEDC, and others that can unlock shared strategies, coordinated programming, and investments that strengthen the broader South Bronx economy.

At the heart of this vision is the Bronx Music Hall (BMH), poised to serve as a cultural and civic anchor that draws people, activity, and identity to the corridor. Surrounding institutions—including historic landmarks, Boricua College, the Bronx Courthouse, WHEDco, Bronx Defenders, and a resilient network of local businesses—form a strong community ecosystem capable of sustaining long-term growth when supported by intentional planning.

This report reflects a collective call to action: to transform Melrose/Morrisania from a fragmented corridor of hundreds of local businesses into a cohesive, vibrant, and community-centered district. Long shaped by institutions, cultural assets, and historic grassroots efforts, the corridor holds deep community significance and untapped potential. Centered on East 161st Street and anchored by the Bronx Music Hall, the framework advances connectivity, strengthens local enterprises, and reimagines the public realm.

Together, these strategies position Melrose/ Morrisania as a resilient, inclusive, and investable district—one that claims its rightful place in the cultural and economic future of the Bronx and New York City.

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Introduction In response to proposed large-scale clearance and displacement in the early 1990s, Melrose residents organized under Nos Quedamos (“We Stay”), led by community members including Yolanda García and local housing advocates. Nos Quedamos rejected external redevelopment models and advanced an alternative, community-based plan prioritizing permanent affordability and resident stability.

Through organized advocacy, coalition-building, and direct engagement with the City, they secured political support and shaped the framework that would become the Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Plan. Their work established one of the most influential community-led redevelopment models in New York City.

Three decades later, Melrose reflects the success of this housing-led renewal.

While residential stability has largely been achieved, the public realm, mobility network, and cultural visibility of the neighborhood’s anchors remain underdeveloped. As new growth continues, we propose this next phase of planning to focus on strengthening public space, reinforcing neighborhood identity, and ensuring that the ongoing housing boom benefits the existing community.

Nos Quedamos The 1994 Melrose Commons Master Plan by “nos quedamos” and MAP 6

| Melrose District Framework Plan

Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Plan (MAP) Adopted in 1994, the Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Plan translated community demands into a formal redevelopment strategy. The plan combined land assembly, rezoning, infrastructure investment, and phased housing development to rebuild formerly vacant and distressed blocks. Over time, more than 3,000 units of affordable and mixed-income housing were constructed, restoring residential density and stabilizing the neighborhood’s physical fabric.

MAP shifted Melrose from abandonment to reinvestment while maintaining affordability as a central development principle.

The Melrose Commons Plan (Updated in 2004)

The Melrose District Framework Plan 2026 PERKINS EASTMAN |

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02.

Project Summary Perkins Eastman developed the Melrose

The report serves as a practical tool-kit—grounded

District Framework Plan (2026) as part of Van

in research, community engagement, and phased

Alen Institute’s District Design Fellowship,

design strategies—to help Melrose collectively

in collaboration with the NYC Department of

evaluate opportunities, test ideas, and engage

Small Business Services through its Building

potential partners towards public realm

Creative Capacity initiative. The work was carried

improvements, housing growth, and long-term

out in partnership with WHEDco,

district development.

a community development organization

Building on the 30-year legacy of the Melrose

founded on the belief that all people deserve

Commons Master Plan, the project centres on the

healthy, vibrant communities, supporting

Bronx Music Hall and its surrounding streets as

residents and local stakeholders in shaping

catalysts for pedestrian improvements, cultural

the neighborhood future.

activation, and future housing growth.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

BMH

Base map data © Google Earth

Project Timeline Dec’25 Convene & Research

Jan’26 Engage & Co-Create

Feb’26 Develop Framework

Mar’26 Share & Advance

Ongoing Build & Collaborate

Partnership Formation & Project Setup: With Van Alen’s coordination, align team (Perkins Eastman, WHEDco, BD Feliz, and Zhiyao Zhang), define scope, and plan community strategy.

Community Outreach & Activation: Survey residents, host follow-up events, and gather input around the Bronx Music Hall and surrounding streets.

Framework Draft & Stakeholder Review: Translate community priorities into spatial strategies and present to WHEDco leadership for feedback.

Melrose District Continued Community Framework Plan 2026: Partnership & Implementation Publish a phased tool-kit Support: for public realm Support funding improvements, conversations, activation agency pilots, and long- coordination, and term district next-phase pilot projects. growth.

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Area of Study Centered on the Bronx Music Hall, the study area spans East 161st Street from Park Avenue to Third Avenue and extends into the surrounding residential and civic blocks within a quarter-mile radius. While geographically positioned between Melrose and Morrisania, the district is referred to here as Melrose, reflecting how residents most commonly identify the area.

The primary focus of the study is the commercial activation of East 161st Street, using BMH as a catalytic anchor to strengthen local businesses, reclaim underutilized streets and plazas, and guide phased public realm and housing improvements that support long-term district investment and neighborhood growth.

BMH

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

E 16

5TH

K

R PA

AREA OF STUDY

ST

E AV

BMH

TO EL

3RD

ST

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ST

VE NA

E 16

THIR

E 16 1ST

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Base map data © Google Earth

Site’s Opportunities Melrose is undergoing rapid transformation, shaped by new development and anchored by strong institutions and destinations such as the Bronx Music Hall, Boricua College, the 42nd Precinct, and the historic Old Court House. The Bronx Music Hall establishes a regional cultural presence; Boricua College reinforces educational opportunity and Puerto Rican identity; the 42nd Precinct represents civic stability; and the Old Court building contributes architectural character and institutional memory. This institutional framework is supported by an active ecosystem of local events—such as Parranda celebrations and the annual Christmas tree lighting—a diverse and engaged community, and key organizations including WHEDco and the Bronx Defenders.

Melrose also carries a history of community-led housing development, with continued opportunity to build upon that legacy.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Together, these elements form a powerful neighborhood environment. Yet despite this concentration of assets, Melrose lacks a cohesive public identity and an integrated public realm that connects its anchors to everyday life. As growth accelerates, coordinated investment must strengthen destinations, workforce opportunities, cultural events, and housing development. The plan’s objective is to amplify Melrose’s existing strengths while advancing a sustainable and resilient vision that prepares the neighborhood for future growth without compromising its community foundation.

INDUSTRIAL AREAS

E 16

5TH

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PARKS

OFFICES

CULTURE

HOUSING E1 61 S

TS

T

WIDE STREETS

AVE LTON

EDUCATION

E 16

3RD

ST

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RETAIL

GREEN AREAS

TH

E 16 1ST

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HISTORY

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ARCHITECTURE

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A Series of Potential Destinations

42nd Precinct

Yolanda Garcia Park

Old Bronx Borough Courthouse

El Coqui Liberation Community Garden

Bronx Music Hall (BMH)

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

42nd Precinct Year built: 1904 Architect: Charles Volz Its neo-Renaissance house has been used repeatedly as a filming location, standing as a symbol for police headquarters across New York—and sometimes for cities that aren’t New York at all. Notable films and series shot there include Serpico, Fort Apache, The Bronx, Carlito’s Way, and episodes of Law & Order and Blue Bloods. This cinematic afterlife matters: it has turned the precinct into a recognizable cultural image of the Bronx—often gritty, intense, resilient, what some may view as taking its power back—layering popculture meaning onto a building that already plays a central civic role in everyday neighborhood life. 42nd Precinct receives continuous daily visitors.

Old Bronx Borough Courthouse Year built: 1912 Architect: Michael J. Garvin (NYC Department of Buildings era) Original use: Bronx County Supreme Court Current status: Vacant / offered for lease or redevelopment Approx. size: ~130,000 sq ft (as shown on the banner) Its Beaux-Arts façade, monumental columns, and allegorical sculpture made it a civic symbol of justice in the Bronx for decades. Like the 42nd Precinct, it carries heavy institutional and cinematic landmark (American Gangster and Vampires vs. the Bronx) —but unlike the precinct, it has slipped out of everyday public use, turning it into a prime candidate for adaptive reuse as a new civic or cultural anchor.

Bronx Music Hall Year built / opened: 2023 (adaptive reuse project) Capacity: ~250 people (flexible performance setup) Estimated attendance: ~20,000–25,000 people per year (concerts, rehearsals, education programs, community events) Community-rooted performance and education venue in Melrose, the Bronx. It supports local musicians, youth programs, and cultural events, with a strong focus on Bronx and Latin music traditions.

Beyond performances, it acts as a neighborhood attractor—hosting rehearsals, workshops, and gatherings— yet its northern edge, defined by industrial infrastructure, limits its visibility and everyday integration into the public realm. BMH visitors contribute $625,000/year to local economy.

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An Ecosystem of Local Events Holiday Ornament Creation A community workshop inviting residents and youth groups to co-create seasonal ornaments reflecting neighborhood identity.

Outdoor Market Local vendors and small businesses activate the street, encouraging Buy-Local participation.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Holiday Tree Lighting A shared civic moment bringing families and neighbours together.

La Parranda A cultural procession connecting the corridor through music, movement, and collective celebration.

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Diverse Community & Resources Melrose’s greatest asset is its people.

Cultural institutions, local businesses, schools, community organizations, and residents together form a vibrant network that supports daily life and neighborhood identity.

Bronx Music Hall Community

This diversity of voices and resources provides the foundation for activating public space, strengthening local commerce, and shaping the district’s future together.

Boricua College Students

Bronx Defenders Members 18

| Melrose District Framework Plan

WHEDco’ Staff

Retail Owners / Cinco De Mayo

Retail Owners / Perry’s Coffee Shop

Community members

Community Engagement at 42nd Precinct

Retail Owners / Porto Salvo PERKINS EASTMAN |

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Recent Housing Development Guided by the Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Plan, Melrose has incorporated over 3,000 community-focused housing units in the past 15 years, advancing mixed-use development, affordability, and sustainability. With 19% of the area still zoned for industrial use, significant capacity remains for additional housing and community-serving amenities, with consequent re-zoning.

2021 /171 units 2012 /77 units 2016 /152 units

2013 /217 units 2021 /252 units

2020 /12 units

2010 /71 units

2019 /199 units

2021

E1

20

2017 /39 units

59 t

hS

| Melrose District Framework Plan

T

2021 /24 units

Year of Construction: 2020-2025 Year of Construction: 2015-2020 Year of Construction: 2010-2015

E V A K R PA

2021 /154 units

2012 /90 units

2014 /49 units 2016 /105 units 2012 /136 units

2019 /30 units 2021

2022 /107 units 2017 /304 units 2010 /136 units

2010 /85 units

2010 /131 units

2010 /100 units

2011 /80 units

3R D

2010 /80 units

AV E

2011 /77 units

Base map data © Google Earth

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Site’s Challenges: Room for Improvement Despite recent development, the study area remains fragmented.

Pedestrian movement is neither comfortable nor intuituve, and awareness of existing amenities remains limited. While Bronx Music Hall holds strong potential as a cultural anchor, its peripheral context—shaped by heavy traffic, industrial edges, limited complementary programming, modest architectural presence, and a lack of programmed open space—currently constrains its ability to attract and engage broader audiences.

The main challenges identified in the study area are as follows: • Many blocks still feel fragmented despite recent development activity.

• BMH sits along E163rd Street, a corridor dominated by parking and industrial uses that creates a strong edge condition, including a gas station and a major traffic intersection.

• Streets are wide but lack activation, promoting a car-oriented environment.

• Open spaces and gardens exist, but fragmented connections and insufficient wayfinding limit their everyday use.

• Residents have limited awareness of the full range of neighborhood amenities.

• No MTA subway stations nearby.

• Underutilized Metro North Station.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

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03.

Vision

The Melrose Beat Current initiatives are designed to foster meaningful, large-scale community engagement and strengthen collaborative partnerships. These efforts aim to support neighborhood improvement by building cross-sector relationships and advancing a shared vision for a more sustainable community. Through targeted strategies, the project seeks to generate measurable, positive impact for local residents and stakeholders.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Building upon the foundational work of Nos

support, youth programming, and cultural initiatives that strengthen neighborhood stability and economic opportunity.

Quedamos and the Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Plan, this initiative advances a continued community-led approach to address current challenges and unlock underrecognized neighborhood assets. As the City Of New York pursues expanded housing production through initiatives such as the City of Yes, Melrose remains central to delivering residential stability and opportunity. Yet housing alone does not create a thriving neighborhood. Public space, cultural amenities, safe mobility, and coordinated

Through this engagement process, key priorities, challenges, and opportunities along the corridor have been identified. The project is further strenghtened with the branding exploration developed by BD Feliz and Zhiyao (Jill) Zhang, which introduces a visual identity strategy through banners placed at key transit nodes and destinations to enhance cohesion and visibility.

streetscape improvements are essential to ensure that growth is welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable.

Perkins Eastman has collaborated closely with WHEDco to better understand community priorities. As a community-based development organization deeply rooted in Melrose, WHEDco advances affordable housing, small-business

This report functions as both a communication tool and an adaptable framework. It records Melrose’s assets, challenges, and investment opportunities while serving as a living document— intended to evolve through ongoing dialogue with residents, community partners, and city agencies to guide future investments in alignment with neighborhood needs.

Gathering feedback through community surveys PERKINS EASTMAN |

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Master Plan Approach The team advocates for a holistic approach to the project heart

with of

the

Sustianable “Triple

Development

Bottom

Line,“

lying the

at

the

intersection

of People, Planet, and Profit.

Furthermore, we believe that The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals (SDGs) offer a compelling framework to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The team has made a commitment to furthering the New Urban Agenda, United Nations-Habitat’s blueprint, to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all global citizens.

SDG11 states: “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.” For designers, “SDG11, Sustainable cities and communities”, leads a path to challenge our projects for achieving sustainable development through concerted global action.

The project’s objective is to be provide smart, resilient, inclusive and sustainable solutions.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

2026 Melrose Sustainable Framework

PEOPLE

Social Performance

PLANET

Environmental Performance

PROFIT

Economic Performance

Sustainable Development

UN SDGS The Triple Bottom Line Sustainable Development PERKINS EASTMAN |

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Melrose District Framework Plan

Vision Our vision is to establish a holistic framework that guides the near-, short-, and long-term growth of Melrose. By identifying practical, phased solutions that respond directly to community needs, this framework supports a sustainable and resilient neighborhood while strengthening its role as a vibrant destination.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Av e Pa rk E 161

Third Ave

Green Corridor BMH

st ST

/ Ma in Str eet

Comm unity Green S

Boricua College

treets

Yolanda Garcia Park

42nd Precinct

Com m Corr ercial idor

New Arts Program

Old Court House

School

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Master Plan Goals

30

1

Unique Places

2

Sustainability and Resiliency

3

Food Destination

4

Safety & Public Realm Enhancement

Strengthen the Bronx Music Hall as a primary cultural anchor by extending music and arts programming into the public realm.

Enhance the building and its surroundings through lighting, sidewalk treatments, exhibitions, and urban furniture to create a visible and active civic destination.

Establish an accessible civic green network by improving pedestrian connections and wayfinding between Coquí Garden, Alexander’s Garden, O’Neil Triangle, and future open spaces.

Explore long-term opportunities such as transforming the former rail corridor into public green infrastructure while advancing climate-responsive design.

Elevate local restaurants by enhancing the public spaces in front of key establishments to improve visibility, accessibility, and outdoor seating. Leverage coordinated branding and the local food map as a foundation to strengthen the corridor’s identity and expand its potential as a neighborhood food destination.

Prioritize pedestrian safety through upgraded crosswalks— particularly near the Bronx Music Hall and Boricua College—curb extensions, improved lighting, and traffic-calming measures that reinforce pedestrian priority and comfort.

| Melrose District Framework Plan

5

Robust Infrastructure

6

Preserve & Celebrate Bronx Culture

7

Strengthen the Commercial Corridor

8

Livable Mixed-Use Growth

Introduce a two-way bike lane along East 161st Street and Third Avenue to strengthen connectivity and improve access to transit, waterfront amenities, The Hub, and Mott Haven. Advance accessibility and operational improvements at the Metro-North station, building on recommendations from DCP’s Melrose MetroNorth Station Area Study.

Adapt industrial buildings and the Old Courthouse as cultural and community spaces for artists, youth, and seniors. Reinforce neighborhood identity through coordinated branding, murals, banners, and signage highlighting Latino and African American heritage and key institutions.

Activate ground floors along East 161st Street and Third Avenue with locally oriented retail and services. Formalize the corridor as a cohesive commercial spine and enhance Third Avenue with widened sidewalks, bioswales, improved lighting, and coordinated urban furniture.

Support community-oriented, affordable, and sustainable housing on vacant lots while promoting the transition of light industrial areas toward mixed-use development. Integrate open space, amenities, and quality design to create a balanced environment that connects living, working, and recreation.

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Part 02

Research & Analysis 04 - Understanding The Context 05 - Understanding The Site 06 - Analysis and Design Drivers

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04. Understanding The Context Melrose Location in the South Bronx

Area of focus

N

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Key Points – Melrose sits at the geographic center of the South Bronx, yet feels isolated from major nearby assets such as Crotona Park, Mott Haven, West Concourse, and the waterfront. This project challenges that spatial disconnection through strategic design—transforming Melrose into a future destination on its own.

Base map data © Google Maps

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What’s the Future of Melrose?

The Capitol District (161st St BID) Installs vibrant public seating, hosts seasonal festivals, and improves pedestrian infrastructure at Lou Gehrig Plaza to create a welcoming, humanscale environment for residents and visitors far beyond the baseball season.

The Hub (3rd Ave BID)

N

36

Unites local stakeholders, co-hosts community initiatives, and organizes seasonal celebrations to strengthen neighborhood bonds and provide essential resources like “Back to School” and holiday events throughout the year.

| Melrose District Framework Plan

?

?

Southern Boulevard BID Provides supplemental sanitation, manages corridor marketing, and delivers merchant support to transform the Southern Boulevard retail spine into a vibrant, beautified gateway to major Bronx destinations.

Base map data © Google Maps

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Area of Study: Melrsose and 15min walk While the master plan focuses on a quarter-mile core area, it is essential to understand the broader halfmile radius—approximately a 10–15 minute walk—that shapes daily neighborhood life. According to WHEDco’s Consumer and Retail Market analysis, this half-mile radius also defines the primary audience segments influencing local economic activity.

Consumer Audience Segments within 0.5 mi radius of development Existing residential population (60,671) within a 0.5mi radius of development Future area residents, in one of the fastest growing areas in the Bronx, including 305 units at Bronx Commons.

Local workforce population (9,456), specially office employees BMH could contribute $625,000/year to local economy

N

38

0

0.07

0.15

| Melrose District Framework Plan

0.3 Miles

Base map data from GIS

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05. Understanding The Site Let’s meet the people Historically a hub for German, Irish, and Italian immigrants, Melrose has undergone a significant demographic shift over the last several decades and is now one of the most culturally diverse Latin American and African American hubs in the city. Today, the area is predominantly Hispanic, with a rich mix of Caribbean and West African influences.

Black/African American 31%

White 1% Asian 1%

Hispanic/Latino 67%

Who is in the area ?

33-34 years old

median (younger than average in NYC)

20% under the

age of 15

87-89% Renters $33-36k

Median Household income

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

60 Permanent BMH jobs

65 Youth &

Education Staff

300-350

WHEDco Employees

183 Boricua College students

>400 Bronx

Defenders Staff Members Daily buses of Tourists to visit 42nd Precinct

45-55 Hotel

Rooms at Nova Hotel Bronx

Work & Economy Melrose is home to a dedicated workforce, with 81% employed in the private sector—primarily in essential roles like healthcare and social assistance.

However, a significant gap exists between wages and cost of living: 62.5% of renters face a high housing burden, and 14.9% live in overcrowded conditions.

This suggests that current income levels are not keeping pace with the rising costs of housing in the city.

Education The neighborhood faces hurdles in the educational pipeline that impact longterm professional growth. With a high chronic absenteeism rate (43.9%) and an Education Index of 3.9, many students struggle to reach early-grade proficiency.

These barriers contribute to a lower rate of higher education attainment (16% with a bachelor’s degree), which in turn limits access to higher-paying career paths for the next generation.

Health & Environment Healthcare coverage is high, but community well-being is often affected by environmental and social stressors. Frequent 311 reports regarding building heat and unsanitary conditions indicate a need for improved housing quality. These physical challenges, combined with public safety concerns, create a high-stress environment that leads over half of the neighborhood’s households (52.8%) to rely on vital support programs like SNAP. Source: Measure of America (Social Science Research Council), DATA2GO.NYC (2025/2026).

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Land Use Existing Legend Residential Commercial Parks Industrial Site Boundary: 1/4 mile

The southern portion of the study area is widely recognized for its sustainable urban renewal.

It contains a strong concentration of LEEDcertified affordable housing, along with numerous community gardens and parks. In contrast, the northern area retains an industrial character and is increasingly affected by citywide housing pressures, underscoring the need for a new, forward-looking plan.

N

42

0

200

400

| Melrose District Framework Plan

600 ft

METRO NORTH

Bronx Defenders Gas Station

Freight Shippping Food Bazaar Cement Plant Gas Station Strip Mall

Bronx Commons

E 163rd ST functions as an urban barrier

Boricua College

Old Court House 42nd Precinct

Phipps Neighborhoods

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Land Use Existing Legend Residential Commercial Parks Industrial

Bronx Commons

Residential

Parkview Commons 44

| Melrose District Framework Plan

Food Bazaar

99¢ Stores

Railroad Park

Bronx Music Hall Plaza

Automobile & Freight Shipping Shops

Concrete Factory PERKINS EASTMAN |

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Area’s Land Use Analysis and Strategy This is a place where people live and institutions exist, but daily street life is structurally underfed.

• Housing ~50%: reasonable, but not dense enough to fully anchor daily life.

• Industrial + manufacturing ~19%: oversized for a neighborhood-scale district.

• Retail + local services ~6% : insufficient to support walkability.

• Cultural + community ~13%: robust.

• Parks + open space ~7% : inadequate given density.

• Office ~1%: negligibile.

• Parking + vacant ~4%: small but spatially fragmented.

Industrial 19% Vacant lots 1% Parking + Garages 3% Open Space 7%

Land Zone Distribution in 0.25 mile Study Area

Housing 50%

Open Space 13% Office 1% Retail + Local Services 6% The study area requires a more balanced land-use mix to support a vibrant community. The significant industrial footprint—including vacant and underutilized lots—offers an opportunity to introduce missing programs such as cultural spaces, neighborhood services, and public amenities. Commercial activation must be grounded in existing community patterns to ensure relevance, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. *Approximate from total building area and number of floors.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Mixed-Use Opportunity

Concrete Factory

Automobile Industry

With approximately 19% industrial land, the site presents a strategic opportunity for mixed-use redevelopment that introduces new housing while integrating essential community amenities. An approved rezoning is already in place, creating favourable conditions for implementation.

Approved Rezoning

Urban Infill The prevalence of vacant parcels and inactive street frontages results in significant interstitial spaces that lack functional utility. The implementation of small-scale pilot projects will provide immediate streetscape revitalization while concurrently expediting the timeline for mixed-use development.

Inactive Facade

Vacant lot Prime Area in front of new park and Development

Green Area Potential As the neighborhood anticipates residential growth, the link between population density and access to quality open space becomes a key planning priority. Existing public spaces must be expanded and strategically programmed to serve a growing community.

Community Gardens

Plazas

Green Areas

Sports Zones PERKINS EASTMAN |

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Community Uses Existing Public School

Legend Childcare/Daycare School College Service Facility Health Center Bronx Defenders Cultural Building Religious Center Arts Program Hotel Historic Building Community Garden Playground Green Area Vacant Area Parking Structure Building Footprint Senior Center Library Site Boundary: 1/4 mile

N

48

0

200

Metro North

400

| Melrose District Framework Plan

600 ft

Public School

Public School

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Community Uses Existing Legend Childcare/Daycare School College Service Facility Health Center Bronx Defenders Cultural Building Religious Center Arts Program Hotel Historic Building Community Garden Playground Green Area Vacant Area Parking Structure Building Footprint Senior Center Library Site Boundary: 1/4 mile

Childcare

Schools

Boricua College 50

| Melrose District Framework Plan

Health Centers

Arts Programs

Hotels

Historic Buildings

Senior Centers

Kids Parks PERKINS EASTMAN |

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Community Uses Analysis and Strategies The community-use distribution within the 0.25-mile Melrose study area reveals a strong institutional presence shaping the neighborhood’s identity. Public Schools (30%) and Religious Centers (26%) dominate.

The neighborhood has a strong social infrastructure. However, the concentration of institutional uses may limit ground-floor vibrancy if not paired with complementary retail, cultural, and public realm activation.

Community Center 7%

Homeless Shelter 5% Police Department 3%

College 3%

Private School 2%

Public School 30%

Childcare Center 12% Community Uses Distribution in 0.25 mile Study Area

Charity 3% Transitional Housing 9% Religious Centers 26%

The analysis confirms that public-realm improvements must prioritize the daily needs of students, families, and vulnerable populations who define the area’s core user base. Building on the community’s investment in the Bronx Music Hall, expanded cultural and artistic programming can reinforce neighborhood identity and strengthen daily life. As a visible civic anchor, the Bronx Music Hall can help foster shared public activity and a more cohesive community presence. *Approximate Community uses derived from total building floor area and number of floors.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Boricua College

Connectivity This area is well served by community facilities.

The opportunity lies in better connecting them—physically, programmatically, and spatially —so they function as an integrated civic network rather than isolated buildings.

Strong Faith-Based Presence Faith-based organizations are key community anchors and potential partners for programming, outreach, and stewardship. Also, their spaces could serve as flexible multipurpose halls, public meeting rooms or shared cultural event venues.

BMH Pedestrian Priority Corridor

Religious Center

Vacant lot

Informal Public Space Potential

Occupy Available Spaces The area lacks arts centers, maker spaces, and after-school creative hubs beyond the BMH. Underutilized industrial buildings and vacant spaces offer an opportunity to introduce these missing cultural programs and strengthen the neighborhood’s creative ecosystem.

Available

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Commercial Uses Existing Legend Supermarket Deli/Bodega Restaurant Fast Food Storefront Available Retail Facade Hotel/Motel Industrial, Automobile & Storage Industry Green Area Vacant Area Parking Structure Building Footprint Site Boundary: 1/4 mile

N

54

0

200

400

| Melrose District Framework Plan

600 ft

Metro North

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Commercial Uses Existing Legend Supermarket Deli/Bodega Restaurant Fast Food Storefront Available Retail Facade Hotel/Motel Industrial, Automobile & Storage Industry Green Area Vacant Area Parking Structure Building Footprint Site Boundary: 1/4 mile

Deli Grocery/Bodegas

Beauty Salons

Deli Grocery/Bodegas 56

| Melrose District Framework Plan

Hardware Stores

Laundromats

99¢ Stores

Porto Salvo

Supermarkets

Flava Of The Bronx PERKINS EASTMAN |

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Commercial Uses Analysis and Strategies The retail distribution within the 0.25-mile study area shows supermarkets as the dominant presence, supported by a significant share of fast food and discount stores. This pattern reflects a market driven primarily by daily needs, affordability, and high-turnover goods. The commercial mix reveals limited experiential retail and little anchor diversity beyond supermarkets. Melrose is not over-retailed—it is underdiversified. While the data suggests a stable local-serving economy, it also highlights clear opportunities to broaden and strengthen the commercial ecosystem.

Fast Food 19% Financial Service 2%

Discount Store 11%

Hotel/Motel 9% Laundromat 6% Other 5%

Commercial Uses Distribution in 0.25 mile Study Area

Restaurant 4%

Clothing 3% Deli/Bodega 3%

Supermarket 38%

Other: hardware store, optometrist, liquor store, beauty supply, etc.

The most strategic retail implementation for the area could be a Creative & Wellness Cluster that leverages the cultural anchor of the BMH. By prioritizing Art Supplies, Bookstore, and Fitness/Personal Training, the development can capture significant local leakage while directly supporting the “Human Development” needs of the community. This move shifts the commercial mix toward high-value, experiential services that foster a 24-hour street life and create a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors. *Approximate from total building area and number of floors.

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Capacity for Commercial Diversity Strengthen the commercial mix by introducing new communityserving uses in vacant storefronts and underutilized lots, expanding beyond necessity retail to better support neighborhood growth.

Balance Retail Needs The perceived overscaling of local supermarkets largely stems from Food Bazaar. Its expansive footprint and industrial character detract from the daily shopping experience. Introducing smaller, street-oriented food retail would create a more balanced and pedestrian-friendly environment.

Industrial Area

Food Bazaar

Hard wide streets Large open space for potential farmers market

Activate Storefronts Inactive storefronts, limited lighting, and over-scaled streets reduce comfort and pedestrian activity.

Targeted activation—through improved lighting, greening, and ground-floor uses—can transform this frontage into a safer and more engaging public realm.

Vacant Frontage Area

Activation Zone through Lighting & Greening

Insufficient Lighting Conditions

Hard wide streets

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Mobility Framework Existing Street Hierarchy Legend Main Road Secondary Road Tertiary Road Railway Site Boundary 1/4 mile

N

60

0

200

400

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600 ft

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Mobility Framework Existing Public Network Legend Dedicated Bus Lane Dedicated Bus Stops Bus Routes Bus Stops Bike Lane CityBike Station Parking Railway Site Boundary 1/4 mile

Bus Services Bx15

E 163 St/Third Ave

Bx21

E 163 St/Third Ave

Bx19

E 149 St/Bergen St

Bx6 / Bx13 Bx1/2

E 161 St/Melrose Ave E 161 St/Grand Concourse

Bx6 / E 163 St/Third Ave Bx6 SBS

N

62

0

200

400

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600 ft

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Mobility Framework Analysis and Strategies The analysis confirms that over-scaled street sections and minimal activation reinforce a car-oriented environment. This is exacerbated by a lack of subway access and an underutilized Metro-North station.

As the district prepares for new housing, resolving these mobility gaps is critical. The plan proposes three strategic interventions: 1/ Implement “Complete Streets” standards through upgraded crosswalks, curb extensions, lighting, and traffic-calming measures. 2/ Establish a two-way protected bike lane along East 161st Street and Third Avenue to bridge connections to transit and key destinations. 3/ Advance accessibility and operational improvements at the Melrose Station, aligning with the NYC DCP’s Area Study to transform it into a cohesive transit anchor.

Safety & Public Realm Enhancement Pedestrian safety would be strengthened by upgrading crosswalks—especially near BMH and Boricua College— through curb extensions, enhanced lighting, and trafficcalming strategies that clearly prioritize people over vehicles.

Lack of Signalization

Wide Street

Enhance Public Transportation Given the distance to subway stations, the area experiences connectivity challenges. Dedicated bus lanes, expanded transit routes, and a bidirectional cycle track along East 161st Street would strengthen east–west access to essential services while reducing automobile dependence.

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Outdated Bus Shelter

Lack of diverse public mobility options

Use Metro North Despite being part of the regional rail network, this station remains underused.

Its impact is limited by poor pedestrian infrastructure and a lack of active surroundings.

A NYC Department of City Planning study identifies opportunities to improve access and support transit-oriented development nearby.

Existing Plans to leverage the station for Neighborhood Benefit Unwelcoming

Weak Pedestrian Connections Unsafe

Create a Gateway Identity The BMH borders with a heavy industrial North edge and wide roadways. Introducing a defined threshold—through lighting, pavement treatments, planting, and bold visual markers—can soften edges, humanize the street scale, and signal arrival to a cultural district.

Gas Station

Heavy Traffic

Large cross walks

New Civic Spine The former rail alignment can serve as a green connector between the Bronx Music Hall, Boricua College, the 42nd Precinct, and The Hub, but it is currently blocked by surface parking. Consolidating parking into a structure and restoring this path as a continuous pedestrian corridor would connect key destinations and improve safety and activation.

Neglected Green Area

Illegal Parking

Barrier

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06. Analysis and Design Drivers Opportunities Approach

Melrose Structural Pattern The neighborhood is socially strong but spatially fragmented.

• Land use is residential-heavy.

• Ground-floor retail is largely convenience-oriented.

• Community space is dominated by institutions.

• Industrial land use still define the urban form.

• Public realm vitality remains low relative to density • Neighborhood economic stability exists with limited diversity.

• Institutional concentration exists with low civic permeability.

• Housing growth continues while mobility and public space fall behind.

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Melrose Core Opportunities Melrose is not lacking activity—it is lacking spatial coherence and programmatic diversity.

• Diversify commercial ground floors.

• Strengthen integration between institutional anchors.

• Activate the public realm between key nodes.

• Improve the pedestrian experience.

• Build a cultural spine anchored by existing institutions (BMH, Boricua College, 42nd Precinct, and the Old Bronx Courthouse).

• Transform oversized asphalt and industrial edges into connective urban spaces.

• Establish a resilient framework for the emerging residential–industrial edge.

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Part 03

Proposed Masterplan 07 - Framework Masterplan 08 - Concept Ideas 09 - Mobility Vision

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07. Framework Masterplan

The area faces clear challenges—wide streets, limited transit access, and an underactivated public realm—but it also holds strong potential. Its abundant space and wide corridors provide the foundation to transform excess asphalt into active public space, strengthen mobility, and create a safer, more connected neighborhood.

By integrating mixed-use development with sustainable and affordable housing— particularly toward the emerging northern portion of the site—the framework links growth with equity, reinforcing the district as a resilient and inclusive urban environment for current and future residents.

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Melrose District Framework Plan

Follow the Melrose Beat

Legend Site Boundary Existing Buildings Pedestrian Area Proposed Mixed-Use Residential Buildings Repurposed Community Buildings Proposed Community Programs Repurposed Cultural Space Existing Green Areas Proposed Parks Painted Sidewalks Existing Bike Lane Proposed Bike Lane Proposed Parking Structure

N

72

0

200

400

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600 ft

Melrose District Framework Plan

Public Sch

Follow the Melrose Beat A successful master plan is implemented over time, allowing improvements to build momentum and support longterm neighborhood success rather than being delivered all at once.

NOTE: Existing Metro-North studies could be incorporated to support activation of the area.

Other Key Considerations: • Coordinated maintenance and clean-up.

• Workforce development and local capacity.

• Strategic grant and funding coordination.

• Data collection and evaluation.

• Visibility and communication.

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Gateway Mural

Art School

Railroad Park Metro North

GR EE

NR ETA IL S

PIN E

Community Garden Yolanda Garcia Park

GR

Community Garden

EE

Little Green Park

NC

OR

RI

DO

R

hool

Future Mixed Used Developments Forest Park

Co-Op Art Incubator

Acoustic Gallery

Community Garden

RR IDO CO

MM

N GR EE

Old Bronx Courthouse

ER CIA L

CO

Boricua College

CO

RR ID OR

R

BMH

42nd Precinct

Public School

Public School Flynn Playground

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08. Concept Ideas Cultural Heart: The Arts Corridor • Infill underutilized lots and retail spaces along E 161st St with arts-focused programming.

• Upgrade sidewalks with lighting, banners, and public seating to encourage lingering.

• Redesign E 162nd St to function as a “Park Facade,” transitioning to an active public face.

• Reinforce and widen key crossings to prioritize foot traffic.

Social Grove: The Civic Oasis

Melrose Gateway

• Open existing large blocks to the public with improved sightlines, increased vegetation, and safety lighting.

• De-prioritize vehicular storage around the 42nd Precinct to create a “Shared Street” (Woonerf) where pedestrians and cars coexist safely.

Melrose Gateway: District Threshold • Relocate the Metro-North entry to integrate directly with the Railroad Park.

• Deploy environmental graphics, including largescale murals, street painting, and kiosks.

New Gardens: Productive Buffers • Establish a green belt adjacent to the railroad tracks to mitigate noise and pollution.

• Develop mid-rise residential/commercial towers with active community-facing “streetlevel” programs.

• Repurpose industrial heritage buildings for flexible art studios and galleries via strategic rezoning.

N

76

0

200

400

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600 ft

Introduce a protected bike lane combined with wayfinding, planting, and streetscape improvements to attract people and guide them toward existing cultural, civic, and commercial destinations.

The New Gardens

Improve the public realm surrounding the Bronx Music Hall to support community gatherings and events such as music performances, Parranda celebrations, food markets, and temporary street activations, including painted sidewalks and enhanced plaza spaces.

Cultural Heart

Social Grove

Strategic Program Selection The Creative & Wellness Cluster: Melrose currently exhibits a less diverse retail mix than comparable NYC neighborhoods.

Our analysis reveals a significant 0.25-mile service gap in essential categories, including Art Supplies, Bookstores, Bicycle Repair, and Fitness/Personal Training.

Leveraging the recent investment in the Bronx Music Hall and proximity to the Bronx Documentary Center, we propose a curated program that shifts the local economy toward high-value, experiential services. By prioritizing a Creative & Wellness Cluster, the master plan captures local “leakage” while supporting the community’s human development needs.

This strategic implementation fosters a 24-hour street life, transforming Melrose into a vibrant, self-sustaining destination for both families and visitors.

Proposed Program Mix: • Creative Hub: Art Supplies, Bookstore, and Music/Acoustic Galleries.

• Wellness & Active Life: Gyms, Personal Training, and Bicycle Repair to support the new greenway.

• Community Services: Specialty retail (Electronics, Footwear) and professional services (Real Estate, Office Supply).

N

78

0

200

400

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600 ft

Documentary Center

09. Mobility Vision

Strategic Connectivity Framework As our analysis and mapping show, Melrose has limited proximity to MTA subway stations. Introducing a west–east bike lane could help improve access and connectivity to nearby transit. It is also important to prioritize the pedestrian experience by simplifying crossings, improving visibility at key intersections, and addressing illegal parking through the creation of structured parking solutions.

While this report does not examine Metro-North studies in detail, existing proposals suggest that improved regional rail access could significantly benefit Melrose residents and attract more visitors to the area.

Image and text from Bronx Metro Report

• Incorporate artistic murals on the ~20 story blank façades of Morrisania Air Rights.

• Continue to add pedestrian wayfinding signage to the station • Create unified 161st Street streetscape theme, and incorporate street lamps, banners, etc. Switch litter receptacles to solar trash compactors.

While the Melrose Metro-North station already provides a fast, 19-minute direct commute south into Grand Central Terminal, currently over 90% of its riders use it for reverse commuting (outbound) rather than traveling into Manhattan. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/plans-studies/ sustainable-communities/bmn/bronx_metro_report/melrose.pdf

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• Redesign Morrisania Air Rights plaza and gradually incorporate station entrances and station functions.

• Permit commercial uses so that ground floors of the Morrisania Air Rights are able to provide more active uses.

Melrose E 161st St Proposed Spine E 161st St

The existing condition of E161st Street is characterized by a spatial imbalance that prioritizes vehicular movement over public life. A wide roadway, dedicated primarily to multiple travel lanes and doubleparking, acts as a barrier that discourages pedestrian activity. It is failing to leverage the corridor’s potential as a connective, vibrant

Existing

civic spine.

Activate empty retail spaces

Sidewalk with bench, banner & lighting

Sidewalk with bench & lighting

Activate empty retail spaces

Proposed Transforming E 161st St into a multi-modal spine involves implementing a protected two-way bike lane to provide vital, low-cost access to regional transit hubs. The generous sidewalks are capable of hosting district-branded lighting, benches, and banners. These enhancements reduce the street to a human scale, fostering a safe environment that encourages residents to linger and supports local retail vitality.

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BMH Proposed Gateway Washington Ave, Elton Ave & E 163rd St The five-way “star” geometry creates a vast asphalt void that prioritizes vehicle throughput over human scale, forcing pedestrians to navigate long, exposed crossings and traffic from five skewed angles. High-velocity SBS bus lanes further fragment the site, acting as a sensory and physical barrier that isolates the Bronx Music Hall from the surrounding residential fabric.

Existing

ON ELT

Improve Connections

E16

3rd

ST

AVE

E LAN BIKES LANE BU

Greenify Area

WA S

HIN

GTO N

AVE

Enhance Plaza

E16

3rd

ST

Proposed

Transforming the intersection into a cohesive urban plaza requires shortening crossing distances with curb extensions and consolidating fragmented islands into a singular, protected pedestrian zone. Integrating asphalt art, green infrastructure, and raised crosswalks will shift the priority from the roadway to the sidewalk, evolving the site from a dangerous collision point into a dignified cultural threshold for Melrose.

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NYPD 42nd Precinct Proposed Gateway Third Ave The urban fabric surrounding the 42nd Precinct suffers from disorganized parking, where Third Avenue functions as a transit trench rather than a neighborhood spine. This creates a disjointed landscape of vast asphalt and underutilized greenery that lacks social programming, leaving the pedestrian environment fragmented, overwhelmed by vehicular scale, and inactive after business hours.

Existing

Revitalize Green Area Plaza

Woonerf Street Pedestrian Plaza E LAN NE A BIKE L BUS

D

IR

TH

E AV

THIRD

Revitalize Green Area

AVE

Proposed

Transforming this corridor into a Woonerf-inspired gateway requires reclaiming excess roadway for a unified pedestrian plaza and “greenfield” social zones. By consolidating fragmented medians and implementing raised, continuous crosswalks, the design creates a safe, porous buffer that slows traffic and shifts the priority from a dangerous transit corridor to a vibrant, high-quality public realm.

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Part 04

Pilot Project Activation 10 - Near-Term Pilot Projects 11 - Short-Term Implementation 12 - Long-Term Vision

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10. Near-Term Pilot Projects (0-12 Months) Tactical Interventions These projects use temporary, low-cost, and high impact to quickly test ideas, build community ownership, and guide long-term investment.

Around the Bronx Music Hall, the wide streets and underused forecourts along East 161st Street and Brook Avenue can be repurpose using paint,

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movable seating, planters, and lighting.

These elements will create safe pedestrian spaces and cultural spill-out areas. Designed as pilots, these interventions can be refined over time and eventually translated into permanent sidewalks, plazas, and streetscape improvements that support the long-term transformation of Melrose.

Opportunities

R

References

Paint • Furniture • Art • Events • Temporary closed streets

DOT Art Program Installations Lesson: Art accelerates acceptance. People trust change faster when culture leads, not engineering alone.

The 34th Avenue Open Street in Jackson Heights, Queens Lesson: Daily use beats special events—streets can become cultural anchors without buildings.

“Aunties” by Fitgi Saint-Louis, Harlem Lesson: Art can help to provide identity and teach about a neighborhood.

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Actions + Events These actions prioritize fast, physical changes to test pedestrian space, support cultural activity, and quickly shift how Melrose streets are used and perceived.

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Painted Streets

Outdoor Music Classes

Temporary street murals and markings highlight cultural routes, slow traffic, and encourage safer, more vibrant public space.

Rehearsals, small concerts, and classes spill into the street from Bronx Music Hall.

Mural on fences & Walls

Farmers Market

Local artists transform blank fences and walls into murals that celebrate Melrose’s culture and identity.

Weekly or monthly market with produce, prepared food, and local makers.

Art Installations

Food Truck Day

Lightweight, temporary sculptures or sound-based installations placed in plazas to test long-term features.

Food trucks and local vendors activate area in front of Boricua College.

Cultural Wayfinding

Mobile Information Cart

QR and signage to highlight cultural institutions, music history, and local stories in Melrose.

Cultural information outreach fostering awareness, participation, and stewardship.

Outdoor Seating

Community Activities

Temporary seating placed on sidewalks around cultural anchors and local businesses.

Clean-ups, Planting, Information & others.

| Melrose District Framework Plan

Attract People

Reinforce BMH

Enhance Culture

N 0

500

1000

2000

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Wayfinding & Branded Signage Neighborhood maps and directories can help to connect people in the community.

Highlighting local shops that residents love through a buy-local campaign is a great way to attract new visitors, while reinforcing community pride. Unique banners that feature these local businesses and people also create a renewed sense of belonging, ensuring that residents see themselves and their contributions reflected in the community’s public spaces, while colorful designs add vibrancy and warmth to the local streetscape.

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

Stencils can be used to create unique and low-cost wayfinding. A short-term solution could be to use chalk or washable paint over pre-cut shapes e.g. music notes to create a path, further connecting the community.

A more long-term solution would be to use spray paint and maintain the path over time.

This wayfinding solution is flexible and can be adapted in a variety of ways to meet the needs of the community. We also recommend placing QR codes at key sites to engage visitors and residents digitally.

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La Parranda Live Bring alive BMH plaza Key Project Alignments • Activate the BMH plaza with bold pavement graphics that reflect the neighborhood’s musical identity.

• Program outdoor cultural events—music workshops, live painting sessions, DJ sets, and curated food trucks—to extend activity into the public realm.

• Introduce movable furniture to support flexible gathering and daily use.

• Install vibrant, oversized crosswalks to clearly connect BMH with Boricua College and E163rd st.

• Enhance lighting to improve safety while reinforcing the district’s cultural presence at night.

• Establish a permanent identity for the plaza through a community-led naming process..

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SEATING

NOW

LIGHTING BANNER FOOD TRUCK

LIGHTING

PAINTED PAVEMENT

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Boricua College Program the Public Space Key Project Alignments • Paint a mural reflecting the community’s cultural identity on the wall adjacent to Boricua College.

• Introduce a bike lane along Elton Ave, leveraging the existing Citi Bike station.

• Upgrade bus stops with improved shelters, lighting, and wayfinding.

• Designate space for food trucks along Elton Ave to serve students and precinct staff.

• Install branded banners to reinforce district identity.

UPGRADED BUS STOPS

• Incorporate flexible seating to support daily use and informal gathering.

FOOD TRUCK

• Refine curb extensions for safety.

DEDICATED BUS LANE

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| Melrose District Framework Plan

NOW

BANNER

MURAL

SEATING

BIKE LANE

Elton Ave PERKINS EASTMAN |

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11. Short-Term Implementation (1-3 Years) Capital Improvement In the short term (1–3 years), Melrose could benefit NYC grants, bids, and other funding sources to redesign underutilized plazas along Third Avenue and Brook Avenue, particularly near historic and civic buildings. Curb realignments, safety upgrades, and the removal of excess parking provide clarity for pedestrian space and support new seating, lighting, and planting.

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These modest but visible investments would formalize spaces that already exist, turning leftover institutional buffers into active civic areas. Building on early activations, they would improve walkability, support everyday use, and set the groundwork for longer-term neighborhood transformation.

Opportunities

R

References Bike Lanes • Curb Extensions • Sculptures • Street Reconstruction & Safety Upgrades (DOT Capital) • Public Space Improvements • Parks & Green Infrastructure • Safety

Grand Concourse safety plan, Bronx Lesson: Infrastructure as Safety. Implementing road diets and wider medians transforms high-speed transit barriers into safe modal pedestrian seams.

Corona Plaza Lesson: Tactical Activation. Low-cost interventions—paint, planters, and seating—instantly turn underutilized asphalt into vibrant community “living rooms.”

East Harlem Neighborhood Plan, Harlem Lesson: Cultural Ownership. Largescale public art and communitydriven murals foster neighborhood identity and turn neglected walls into local landmarks.

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42nd Precinct Celebrate Architecture’s History

KIOSK

PAINTED PAVEMENT PLAZA

BIKE LANE

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SOON Key Project Alignments • Introduce a digital kiosk sharing information about the 42nd Precinct’s history and films shot in the area.

• Define a clear civic plaza with seating and planting to enhance the visitor experience.

42ND PRECINCT

• Use bold, painted crosswalks to reinforce safety and pedestrian priority.

• Organize existing street parking and explore a structured solution to consolidate police parking.

BENCHES

VE A D R I TH

• Differentiate the asphalt treatment around the 42nd Precinct block to strengthen the north– south connection—linking the Bronx Music Hall, Boricua College, and future development towards The Hub. • Establish a permanent identity for the plaza through a community-led naming process.

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The Old Bronx Courthouse Celebrate Architecture’s History

FOOD TRUCK

PAINTED PAVEMENT

PLAZA

BIKE LANE

THIRD AVE 100 | Melrose District Framework Plan

SOON Key Project Alignments • Introduce a digital kiosk sharing information about Old Bronx Courthouse.

• Define a clear civic plaza with seating and planting to enhance the visitor experience.

OLD BRONX COURTHOUSE

• Use bold, painted crosswalks to reinforce safety and pedestrian priority.

KIOSK

• Organize existing street parking.

• Establish a permanent identity for the plaza through a community-led naming process.

• Allow area for food truck and vendors.

• Locate bike parking.

• Bring street trees and bioswales into the block where possible.

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12. Long-Term Vision (3+ Years) Long-Term District Build-Out Across NYC, successful district transformation typically unfolds in phases: near-term pilots test ideas, short-term capital upgrades improve safety and access, and long-term build-out strengthens the institutions, housing, and governance needed to sustain change. Along Melrose Avenue and Brook Avenue, this approach is uniquely feasible.

Today, the area is defined by low-density

O 102 | Melrose District Framework Plan

industrial uses, storage facilities, and vacant or underutilized lots. These conditions create a unique opportunity for comprehensive redevelopment within a growing neighborhood. A resilient and thoughfull master plan will help to define the best strategies to convert this industrial area in a properous mixed-used community.

Opportunities

R

References Community Programs • Mixed-use Developments • Upgraded Mobility • District build-out • Retrofit • Institutions • Governance

Mott Haven Mixed-Use Growth, South Bronx Lesson: Cultural anchors + housing + mobility upgrades create district identity.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Lesson: Governance structures are key for maintenance and long-term success.

Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Lesson: Long-term investment can anchor jobs, culture, and public space together.

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Follow the Melrose Beat

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Team Urban Design

PERKINS EASTMAN Silvia Vercher Pons Cristian Mare

Graphic Design

BD FELIZ Brayan Daniel Feliz ZHIYAO (JILL) ZHANG

Community Partner

WHEDCO Jamila Diaz

Acknowledgements PERKINS EASTMAN for their contribution Nick Leahy Devin Perlo Georges Jacquemart

VAN ALEN INSTITUTE for their support Joseph Messana-Croly Alisha Kim Levin

WHEDCO for their feedback Kerry McLean Amarfis Olivares

COMMUNITY for their insight Sarah Saad

This document was created as part of Van Alen Institute’s District Design Fellowship developed in collaboration with the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ Building Creative Capacity initiative.

Image credits: Most photographs in this report were taken by the project team. However, images on the following pages were sourced from google maps and the internet: 6, 7 (left), 10 (bottom), 18, 19 (bottom-left), 36, 37, 40, 44 (upper & lower), 50 (upper & middle), 51 (left column), 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 96, 97, 102 & 103.

Additionally, the renders found on pages 92-93, 94-95, 98-99 & 100-101 were generated using AI tools.

106 | Melrose District Framework Plan