The Elevated Acre is a secret garden hidden away in the high rise buildings of the Financial District of New York City. It is a one-acre meadow with beautifully designed gardens and plantings elevated above the city streets. As a public space, it is free to visit and accessible to New Yorkers and visitors alike during its operating hours, which are 7am to 10pm. It has a lawn, pathways, benches for seating, and stunning views of the city.
It is fairly easy to miss unless you are looking for it as the entrance is just an escalator tucked away in the middle of the building at 55 Water Street. The top of the escalator opens up into an unexpected terrace with breathtaking views of the city skyline and the East River.
I love to visit the Elevated Acre to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy some peace and quiet. It is actually just a couple of blocks from the Charging Bull if you are ever in the vicinity.
What to Expect at the Elevated Acre
The Elevated Acre is a one-acre garden oasis in Manhattan’s Financial District. It was built in the 1970s as part of a wider initiative to create more public spaces in the city. The location boasts panoramic views of the East River and New York Harbor amidst lush seasonal flora and under the plaza’s beacon tower, and is one of the few elevated public spaces in NYC. It has a large astroturf lawn that is perfect for picnics or to soak in the sun in the summer.
The garden features landscaped gardens and plantings elevated above the city streets, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. It is especially beautiful in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. It also has an amphitheater, and a winding Brazilian hardwood boardwalk which is lined with benches, making it a great place to sit and take in the views.
There are a variety of seating areas to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the skyline. The lawn area is available to sit on, as are the benches and tables scattered throughout the public plaza. There are several benches facing the East River to take in the views.
The garden tends to get busier at lunch hour when people from neighboring buildings visit. The garden is also a host location for the River to River Festival in the summer, with performances and movies available for free.
The garden also has its own bar and restaurant called Sky 55, where you can make reservations for lunch or dinner, stop by for a cocktail, or even host a private event.
The views of the East River are just stunning, and make this well worth a visit.
Visitor Information
Location and Entrance
The Elevated Acre is a hidden public space located in the Financial District of New York City. It is situated at 55 Water Street, between two buildings, and is accessible via a secluded escalator located at the base of the building.
Here is what the entrance looks like on Water Street –
Operating Hours
The Elevated Acre is located at 55 Water Street in the Financial District of Manhattan. The park is open to the public every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
