In June of 2025, construction officially began on Hudson Yards Phase 2, the largest private real estate development in New York City and a symbol of 21st-century urban reinvention. While Phase 1 brought luxury high-rises, office towers, and the now world-famous Vessel, Phase 2 has shifted its focus to the more grounded: affordable housing, sustainability, and public space.
Hudson Yards Phase 2 is situated between West 30th and 34th Streets, west of 10th Avenue. It will complete the transformation of a former industrial rail yard into a mixed-use neighborhood for the next generation of New Yorkers.
What’s New in Phase 2
Unlike Phase 1, the second phase of Hudson Yards moves away from the corporate tower building type to community-based urbanism.
1,400 new residential units with at least 400 affordable.
A new K-8 public school, fulfilling long-held demands for family-friendly infrastructure.
Some public green spaces, such as a new park extension that links to the High Line and Hudson River Park.
Cultural venues and small-scale retail that are based on community needs rather than aspirational, luxury brands.
The developers, led by Related Companies and Oxford Properties, have claimed that this phase is intended to create a “complete neighborhood” that balances luxury, livability, and accessibility.
Design Features and Sustainability Efforts
A collection of architectural firms, including SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is working on the designs for Hudson Yards Phase 2 that reflect the current urban planning trends in the post-COVID-19 period.
Net-zero energy goals for the residential and educational buildings.
Parcels that feature green roofs, urban farm spaces, and sources of renewable energy.
Climate-resilient infrastructure (this will have flood-mitigation measures as part of the streetscape and foundation of buildings).
Enhanced level of connectivity between pedestrians and bicycles to reduce reliance on cars.
This is an attempt to follow through on meeting New York City’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
Why This is Important
Phase 2 is reflective of an evolving paradigm around urban megaprojects:
No longer luxury developments, but rather mixed-income housing use and public amenities.
Sustainably “community-facing” megaprojects.
Recognition that not all urban development is built within the finite boundaries of office towers and condos, and that more inclusive urban development has schools, parks, and affordable homes.
And understanding the criticisms of Phase 1, which was increasingly characterized as disconnected from the rest of New York life, particularly in terms of previous investments in rail infrastructure and use.
Looking Ahead
Hudson Yards Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2031, but urban planners worldwide are closely observing its progress. The central question is:
Can megaprojects create “neighborhoods” that attract inclusion?
How can the aspirations of a “public-private partnership” meet broader civic or community goals?
Will Hudson Yards evolve from a place for tourists to visit and gaze at, into a place to live and thrive?
The answers to these broad questions will inform future development, not only in New York City, but in cities with dense populations around the world.
Want to Learn More and Visit?
Hudson Yards offers architectural tours that highlight the evolution from a rail yard into a smart city neighborhood. Updated plans and an opportunity for community input can be found on the NYC Department of City Planning’s and Hudson Yards’ official channels.
