City designated lot to become part of Hudson Boulevard and city park. Affirmation Arts Ltd. received building and demolition permits in 2004 to add an additional story and mezzanine totaling 3,206 sq.ft. to the three-story building at 523 West 37th Street. In January 2005, before Affirmation finished the work, the City approved the Hudson Yards rezoning, its massive land use initiative for Manhattan’s west side.

Under the Hudson Yards rezoning, Affirmation’s lot at West 37th Street, located between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues, was to become part of the City’s proposed new street, Hudson Boulevard, as well as new park space. The new Hudson Boulevard will extend from West 33rd to West 38th Streets between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues and will have two 50-foot wide roadways separated by a linear park containing green spaces, seating, playgrounds and restaurants. 1 CityLand 36 (Dec. 2004). The City would acquire Affirmation’s lot as part of Phase 2 of the City’s park and boulevard plan, which is planned to commence in 2012. (read more…)