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The analysis of current conditions and recent trends in employment, space utilization and real estate market factors provided compelling arguments for taking a new look at the Fashion District. As the City’s economy grows increasingly dependent on office-based industries and multi-billion dollar public and private investments reshape the areas immediately encircling the district, powerful forces are pushing the Fashion District to evolve into a more diverse, dynamic mixed-use area. This vision is achievable, but only if the BID and the City work together to take the necessary steps to facilitate the realization of that vision
The City can facilitate the continued evolution of the Fashion District as mixed-use, diversified commercial area by:
- Implementing more flexible zoning throughout the Special Garment Center District, so as not to inhibit the conversion of space to office use.
- Amending zoning to allow residential uses in the areas between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Consider implementing a higher FAR for residential use consistent with rezonings in other commercial areas of Manhattan.
The BID can continue to take an active role in improving the neighborhood’s amenities by:
- Conducting a retail study for the Fashion District area to determine ways to improve the performance of existing retail space. The study should focus on particular strategies for improving the quality of retail and bolstering sales at key avenue locations along routes from the proposed new Pennsylvania Station, Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. In addition, the BID should look to use its influence to assure that a retail merchandising strategy is implemented at key locations that would optimize retail values without unnecessarily interfering with existing manufacturing, warehousing, and wholesale operations.
- Continuing to invest in improved safety, lighting and streetscapes. The BID should also work with the City to consider policies that will reduce double parking of trucks and improve traffic flow.
The City, the BID and other local stakeholders can pursue projects for the area that will build on the prestige of the fashion industry and create retail destinations with an appealing identity for the neighborhood, such as:
A Fashion Museum and Design Center
A study conducted by Ernst & Young for the Fashion Center Business Improvement District in 1998 highlighted the impact that a Fashion Museum and Design Center could have in raising the visibility of the area's fashion industry, spotlighting the work of both established and emerging designers, providing high-quality space for industry events and exhibits, and attracting tourists to the Fashion District. The Fashion Center BID should seek support from New York City, New York State and the fashion industry to move ahead with this project.
Growing the performing arts
The movement of small non-profit theater groups and other performing arts organizations into the Fashion District during the past few years highlights the area’s potential attractiveness as a center for a broad range of creative activities. The BID should work with these groups to market the area as an emerging center for the performing arts, and assist other similar groups in finding space in the area.
Cultural programming as an economic development resource
In other commercial areas in New York City, local organizations have used a wide variety of cultural events and activities to enliven their neighborhoods, creating more attractive places to work and do business. The collaborative efforts of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the Alliance for Downtown New York and major downtown property owners, for example, helped stimulate the revival of Lower Manhattan after the severe recession of the early 1990’s. The BID should explore the feasibility of launching a similar collaborative effort in the Fashion District.
Finally, the City, the BID and fashion industry participants should work together to formulate and implement a sector-based strategy that will help sustain the fashion industry not just in the Fashion District but throughout New York City.
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