NYC Parks, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) on Tuesday unveiled student art along a 176-foot-long construction fence at the $14.8 million project that is transforming the Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in Hunts Point, Bronx into a versatile public space surrounded by calmer traffic and improved pedestrian safety features. The $14.8 million project is being managed by DDC for DOT and NYC Parks and is scheduled to be completed in the end of 2025.
The 14 artworks were done by students ranging from 8- to 16-years-old from Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education and The Point Community Development Corporation, and features the elements the students felt best represented their community.
“Empowering young people to enhance the communities where they live is integral to the future of New York City,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “The upcoming transformations to Del Valle Square will calm traffic, enhance safety, and make this public space more vibrant. I applaud and thank these young, local Bronx artists for beautifying this construction wall and celebrating the Hunts Point community.”
“These striking art pieces display the creativity of Bronx students and will serve to beautify Del Valle Square while construction on the plaza is completed,” said NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte. “We commend the youth participants from Casita Maria and The Point for enhancing the site with artworks that represent their community. We’re also grateful to DDC and DOT for their partnership in this important project, which will create a more vibrant public space while reducing traffic flow and enhancing safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.”
“We are pleased to have these wonderful artworks from young, local Bronx students on the construction fence for this $15 million project that will revitalize their neighborhood’s Del Valle Square,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “We are celebrating the current transformation of the plaza and the talent of this future generation who will benefit from this project. The much-needed upgrades will address traffic issues in the area and enhance driver and pedestrian safety.”
“In our 90th anniversary year, Casita Maria is very pleased to contribute to this public art exhibition along with our long-time partner, The Point,” said Felix A. Urrutia Jr., Executive Director of the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education. “Together, we enrich and elevate the lives of the children and families of the Hunts Point/Longwood community. Thank you to our friends in government for inviting us to participate!”
“The Point is delighted that DDC, DOT and the Parks Department invited our young people to participate in the Dress the Mesh project,” said Maria Torres President & COO of The Point. “After spending several months looking at walls hiding the construction, residents will now be treated to artwork designed by the young people from the community. To be able to see work that they created will be a thrill for our participants.”
“I was happy to be in attendance for the unveiling of today’s beautiful artwork by local Bronx students that will highlight the $15 million Del Valle Square revitalization project,” said Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. “As we continue to step up our efforts to rebuild the Bronx, it is important to include our youth in this process and encourage the future generations to take ownership and develop a sense of pride in where they come from.”
Del Valle Square is bounded by Bruckner Boulevard, East 163rd Street and Hunts Point Avenue. The reconstruction project will realign the roadway to reduce traffic flow on East 163rd Street, and a new traffic lane will be installed on Hunts Point Avenue.
New roadway upgrades and a bus shelter will be added to ease bus traffic in the area for smoother transfers, rider pickups and loading. The project will also facilitate access to the Hunts Point Avenue subway station. Street and traffic lighting will be upgraded, and DOT wayfinding signage will also be added. ADA-compliant pedestrian curbs will be installed in the area and sidewalks will be renovated. The project will also provide connections to the area’s bike lane network.
Inside the plaza itself, amenities will be installed including new light poles, seating and a stage for community activities and events. A bottle filler, drinking water fountain, bike racks and movable planters will be added. The project will also include upgrades to water mains, fire hydrants, catch basins and underground utilities.
The project is expected to be completed by end of 2025.
