A project that was once uninviting and internalized has now opened itself to the public. The main concept is reinforced with new connections that include entrances, colonnades, mid-block crossings, balconies, decks, and a direct connection to the 7th Street Metro Station. Several new large floor openings interconnect levels visually and spatially throughout the space. One of the largest transformations to the project was the removal of the previous Macy’s Plaza roof (formerly spanning between Hotel and Office tower), ultimately creating a large inviting urban living room in the center of downtown.

Reshaping what used to be a solid mass to provide new open areas has allowed for new urban activates at The Bloc Square. The existing building has been ‘de-massed’ and is now sensitive to the human scale to help reinforce activities and retail spaces along the street level. To evaluate the success of the project, Studio One Eleven has been conducting a yearlong study on the public spaces at the Bloc. Click here to read more about the Bloc Space Public Life Study.