UN Plaza Coworking Space

United Nations Plaza Neighborhood in NYC

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, the United Nations Plaza neighborhood is part of the larger Midtown East area. Its proximity to one of the most recognizable sites in the area, the United Nations Headquarters, along with the juxtaposition of international diplomacy, resident, and commercial uses, characterizes the neighborhood. The area represents a synthesis of global contexts, unique historic locations, and a variety of contemporary experiences.

Geographic Boundaries

Turtle Bay area generally goes from East 42nd Street (South), East 51st Street (North), East River (East) and 3rd Avenue (West). United Nations Plaza neighborhood is part of the Turtle Bay district, between Beekman Place to the north and Tudor City to the south.

Description of Businesses and Restaurants

The area surrounding UN Plaza contains a variety of shops and restaurants that serve both locals and international visitors. There are many upscale dining options serving all types of cuisine, from American fare to international dishes influenced by the diplomatic presence. The retail offerings include boutiques, specialty stores and convenience stores, creating an essential and unique shopping experience for the neighborhood residents. The dining options include a number of upscale dining options offering French, Italian, and seafood cuisine. There are also cafés and bakeries that are very popular with both residents and office workers in the area. Most of the restaurants in the neighborhood have outdoor seating areas, providing scenic views of the East River or the area parks.

History of Major Attractions

The primary attraction in the area is the United Nations Headquarters which occupies a sizable area along the East River waterfront. The headquarters was completed in the early 1950s and serves as a world center for international diplomacy and includes the General Assembly Hall and General Secretariat. One of the largest historical landmarks within the neighborhood is One United Nations Plaza (a mixed-use building designed by the architects Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo between 1968 and 1975) which served as part of the United Nations Development Corporation plan to develop a cohesive UN enclave in the area. The L-shaped structure is considered unique in terms of its relationship to New York City zoning with its architectural indentations to satisfy the strict local building codes. The more modern 100 United Nations Plaza was completed in 1987, and features a 51-story residential tower with 267 apartment units and 22 penthouses with large terraces. It represents the modern residential landscape of Turtle Bay and provides luxurious living such as beautiful views of the East River and Manhattan skyline.

Types of Buildings

The area is a blend of residential, commercial, and diplomatic buildings. The existing residential buildings feature some high-rise luxury apartments like 100 United Nations Plaza with its interesting upside down pyramid shape and older cooperative buildings like 870 United Nations Plaza. The commercial buildings in the neighborhood house various offices, including offices related to international organizations and diplomatic missions. Other landmark buildings are in the neighborhood, including the Dag Hammarskjöld Library, which is adjacent to the UN Headquarters and serves as a library and resource for diplomatic information and services. There are additionally many cultural and educational institutions located throughout the neighborhood.

Transportation Options

A substantial benefit of the UN Plaza neighborhood is the incredible transportation access. The area is readily available to Grand Central Terminal, which is a transportation hub, providing access to several metro lines running in and out of the city and trains outside of NYC. Bus service is available to other parts of Manhattan and the boroughs connecting to the neighborhood. Furthermore, being near major highways, like the FDR Drive, makes the area very car accessible.

Adjacent Zip Codes

The United Nations Plaza neighborhood is primarily within the 10017 zip code, which also covers parts of Midtown East. The adjacent zip code to the north is 10022.

Prominent Companies and Offices

There are well-known businesses and organizations that call UN Plaza home. Internationally-focused organizations, like the United Nations, along with diplomatic missions from around the world operate in this area. The neighborhood also includes businesses in law, finance, and international relations, that take advantage of the area's diplomatic presence. Businesses in this area range from diplomatic offices to consulting companies involved in international relations and development. There are also legal offices that represent the interests of organizations and diplomatic entities, along with nonprofit organizations promoting issues of global concern in health, education, and human rights. Overall, unlike other neighborhoods, UN Plaza represents a confluence of global reach, historical rooting, and contemporary components, all combining to make UN Plaza a dynamic and active part of New York City.