Yeshiva University Breaks Ground on $3.6 Million 185th Street Plaza

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — City officials kicked off a $3.6 million project to renovate a Washington Heights streetscape on the Yeshiva University campus Wednesday. The officials were joined by university administrators during a ground breaking ceremony, according to a Yeshiva University press release.

The project will make improvements to the 185th Street pedestrian plaza between Audubon and Amsterdam avenues, according to the press release. The project will bring extra seating, moveable chess tables, bicycle racks, ornamental street lighting to the plaza, according to the press release. In addition to the street improvements, various extra trees and shrubs will be planted as well.

But the project isn't but an aesthetic improvement. In addition to making the streetscape look nicer, the block will also get a new water main, improved curbs and sidewalks and a fresh coat of pavement, according to the press release.

School officials hope the new plaza will help bring Yeshiva University and the Washington Heights community together by providing a quality shared space.

"We look forward to the completion of the 185th Street Plaza as we cement our future with the community” Richard M. Joel, Yeshiva University president, said in a statement. “Not only will the student life at Yeshiva University be enhanced, but the local neighborhood will be richer as well."

The renovations to the pedestrian plaza are expected to be completed by summer 2017.

Photo: Google Maps street view circa September 2013.