Ivanhoe Plaza is Turning One Year Old

It may take a while for us to realize our vision for the Plaza, so I would say to anyone who asks about its future – “Be patient.

It is hard to believe but the Ivanhoe Plaza is just about to complete its first year in existence. The Plaza was established on May 25, 2023. On that day, 3 large New jersey concrete barriers were unloaded off a huge flatbed truck and placed at the western half of Ivanhoe Plaza where it meets North Avenue. And in the middle of Ivanhoe Pl. just west of the entrance of Educators Credit Union drive-thru and the entrance to Black Cat Alley, we strategically place 12 planters filled with flowers. We also placed a handful of picnic tables, including an ADA compliant picnic table in the Plaza. With the placement of the barriers, planters, and tables, Ivanhoe Plaza was born. The creation of this pedestrian zone in the neighborhood provides a safe gathering space for families and a venue for activities and events. 

I have spoken with many visitors to the Plaza who have expressed gratitude for this small piece of real estate in the BID where one can find refuge from all the street traffic. But there are others who look at the Plaza and say, “Is that all there is? It’s not very attractive. The asphalt is not such a great look.”  I get it. It doesn’t look so good. We know that and we have done some short-term enhancements in the last year. We painted the picnic tables and the planters, added some green turf underneath the tables, and hung a series of string lights. This summer we are planning to add some color to the asphalt, painting it with some colorful patterns.

Longer term, we are working with some landscape architects to create a vision of what the Plaza can become. Once we create the vision, we will need to raise the funds to bring the vision to reality. Our thinking now is that we can utilize some of the BID’s existing funds, along with perhaps some bank financing.  To this, we also plan to reach out to sources of public and private funds.

It may take a while for us to realize our vision for the Plaza, so I would say to anyone who asks about its future – “Be patient.  It is going to take some time but, in the end, it’s going to be a fabulous gathering space! We are working on programming for the Plaza for this summer. If you are a business located within the East BID and want to host an event in the Plaza, please reach out to me.