Anderson Plaza Is a $4 Million Transformation for New Rochelle

The Anderson Plaza ceremonial groundbreaking. Photo Courtesy of New Rochelle [Marino].

The addition of Anderson Plaza is part of the continued effort to make New Rochelle an inclusive, forward-thinking, walkable city.

Have you been searching for a new spot to shop around, grab an iced coffee, and catch up with friends in Westchester? Lucky for you, New Rochelle will be unveiling its newest plaza in the beginning of 2023.

The city’s latest transformation project focuses on Anderson Plaza, an already public space that’s being renovated and prepped to welcome an array of retail stores. The plaza will include bubbler play fountains, cozy seating, a refreshed landscape, and a café to help kickstart the space.

The plaza rests on Anderson Street, which is a one-way between North Avenue and LeCount Place. Throughout the redesign, Anderson Street traffic will be controlled to allow for an outdoor event space to host farmers’ markets, festivals, and live performances.

By rebranding Anderson Plaza, the city hopes to create a neighborhood focal point that draws residents, shoppers, and workers to its center. This is just one piece of the puzzle in making Downtown New Rochelle an engaging sector of the city.

The $4-million-dollar project has been in the works for nearly three years, and The City of New Rochelle has partnered with renowned design firm Starr Whitehouse to help map it out. The transformation will contribute to the city’s effort in making New Rochelle a walkable city while enriching the public realm and improving the quality of life for its residents.

“I look forward to this enhanced space becoming a hub of positive activity that contributes to the health and vitality of our central business district and of our city as a whole,” says Mayor Noam Bramson.

This project is a collaborative effort with developers Wilder Balter Partners and LMXD and the City of New Rochelle. “The opportunity to provide New Rochelle residents with a rejuvenated public plaza and a purpose-designed location for civic events in the heart of Downtown is in line with our mission to build vibrant, mixed-income communities,” says Katherine Kelman, Managing Director, LMXD.

With the impending revitalization of Anderson Plaza, New Rochelle is labeling itself as “open for business.” The city’s master development initiative is continuing to enhance the downtown area by creating jobs, supporting property values, and private investment, all while maintaining sustainability through energy-efficient designs.

The City of New Rochelle held a ceremonial groundbreaking for Anderson Plaza on July 21, during which visitors were able to catch a sneak peek of the plaza through VR. Stay tuned for 2023, when the plaza aims for a completion and official welcoming of locals and visitors to the renovated city sector.

Related: There’s So Much to Do Outside at Kensico Dam Plaza