Seventh Avenue

Seventh Avenue is a major north-south thoroughfare on the West Side of the borough of Manhattan in New York City. It runs from TriBeCa in the south to Central Park in the north, serving as a critical artery through several of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. The avenue is internationally recognized for its role in the garment industry and as a vibrant cultural and commercial corridor, intersecting with famed districts like the Theater District and Times Square.

Route description

The avenue begins at Varick Street in TriBeCa, near the historic Hudson River waterfront. It proceeds northward, forming the western boundary of Greenwich Village and passing the landmark Jefferson Market Library. North of 14th Street, it enters Chelsea, running parallel to the High Line park. The route continues through the heart of the garment district, flanked by wholesale showrooms, before reaching the bustling Penn Station area and Times Square. Its northern terminus is at Central Park South, where it meets the perimeter of Central Park and the prestigious Plaza Hotel.

History

The avenue's path was originally laid out as part of the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, which established Manhattan's street grid. Significant development followed the opening of the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line subway in 1918, which spurred growth. A pivotal change occurred in 1929, when the avenue was extended south of 11th Street to Varick Street, creating a continuous route. Throughout the 20th century, it became synonymous with the American fashion industry, housing the offices of countless designers and trade unions. The construction of the Original Pennsylvania Station and later Madison Square Garden further cemented its status as a major transit and entertainment hub.

Major intersections and landmarks

From south to north, key cross streets include Canal Street, 14th Street, and 34th Street. Notable landmarks along its course include the Flatiron Building at its intersection with Broadway and 23rd Street, and Macy's Herald Square, the flagship store of Macy's. The avenue skirts Pennsylvania Plaza and Madison Square Garden, and passes through the heart of Times Square at its junction with Broadway and 42nd Street. Cultural institutions include the Carnegie Hall complex and the New York City Center theater.

Transportation

The avenue is a primary bus corridor, served by multiple MTA Regional Bus Operations routes, including the M7 and M20. It is shadowed by the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line of the New York City Subway, with major stations at Times Square–42nd Street, 34th Street–Penn Station, and 14th Street. The avenue also facilitates significant vehicular traffic and is part of the city's grid plan. From 1984 to 2022, a section was designated as part of New York State Route 907A, an unsigned reference route.

In popular culture

The avenue has been immortalized in numerous songs, such as Billy Joel's "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" which references "the lights go out on Broadway" near the avenue. It is famously depicted in classic films like *West Side Story* and *Breakfast at Tiffany's*. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade marches along a section of the avenue, broadcast nationwide. Television shows set in New York City, from Seinfeld to Mad Men, have featured scenes set on or referencing its iconic sidewalks and commercial energy.

Category:Streets in Manhattan Category:North–South Avenues in Manhattan