SPARC Master Plan
SPARC Kips Bay will create a state-of-the-art destination for New York City's life sciences and healthy industry.
The Science Park and Research Campus (SPARC) development in Manhattan’s Kips Bay neighborhood will replace Hunter College’s antiquated Brookdale Campus with over two million square feet of academic, healthcare, and life sciences space.
The plan involves the redevelopment of the block bounded by First Avenue, East 25th Street, East 26th Street, and the FDR Drive into an integrated hub for research, training, and public health including both public and private development components.
As transportation planner for the master plan, AKRF prepared travel demand forecasts, loading demand forecasts, parking layout plans, and the overall site circulation plan.
In consideration of the proposed uses, especially healthcare, a north-south driveway between East 25th Street and East 26th Street was incorporated into the plan to provide access to the proposed building frontages while minimizing drop-offs on First Avenue. Potential off-site roadway improvements were also evaluated, and pedestrian enhancements were incorporated into the overall plan, particularly in proximity to the proposed school.
Deconstruction of the site is expected to begin in February 2026, with construction of the new SPARC campus expected to begin in 2027.
