East River Esplanade Improvements

HSS is the world's leading academic medical center dedicated to musculoskeletal health. We are ranked No. 1 in orthopedics in the United States for 16 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report (2025–2026).

Last year, more than 260,000 patients traveled from around the country and across the globe to seek HSS expertise. To continue to meet growing demand for our unmatched care, HSS is enhancing our Upper East Side main campus and beautifying the neighborhood.

Currently, HSS is working in coordination with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the New York City Department of Transportation to advance improvements to the East River Esplanade between East 70th and East 78th Streets. This work aligns with the City’s Esplanade master plan and builds on HSS’s prior $1.8 million renovation between East 70th and East 72nd Streets in 2018.

Construction is expected to be completed by October 2026, with sections opening in phases. Updates by section are below.

detailed image of esplanade improvement and planned hss kellen tower location
Aerial view of the planned expansion.

East 72nd–78th Streets and Pedestrian Bridge

This section remains closed during active construction. Work in this area includes:

Coordination with NYC Parks on structural repairs, including remediation of a sinkhole near the base of the East 78th Steet ramp and seawall improvements
Surface upgrades, including new pavers, landscaping, and installation of fitness equipment (see image below)
Prior work by NYC Parks to remediate a sinkhole at East 74th Street is complete

The 78th Steet pedestrian bridge is scheduled to close in July 2026 to support the completion of this work. Reopening of the Esplanade between East 72nd and East 78th Streets is expected to occur in phases, with full completion anticipated by October 2026.

Esplanade rendering gym workout area

East 70th–71st Streets and Pedestrian Bridge

HSS is working with NYC Parks and the New York City Department of Transportation on final inspections. Pending agency approval of final upgrades to the pedestrian bridge, HSS expects the East 71st Street bridge and the Esplanade south of East 71st Street to reopen to the public by July 2026.

Completed work to date includes:

Installation of permanent pavers and landscaping by HSS
Remediation of two sinkholes by NYC Parks
Removal of a decommissioned fuel line by Con Edison

Esplanade rendering cyclist riding

About HSS

Founded during the Civil War to care for underserved children and wounded soldiers, HSS is today ranked No.1 for orthopedics for 16 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026). We have also been named a leader in pediatric orthopedics by the U.S. News “Best Children’s Hospitals” list. HSS maintains 20 research laboratories focused on advancing musculoskeletal health. Our orthopedic residency program is top ranked in the nation in both reputation (No. 1) and research output (No. 2) by the professional healthcare network Doximity. HSS is proud to serve people locally, nationally, and from around the globe.

Contact Us

Tracy Hickenbottom
Assistant Vice President, Public & Media Relations
mediarelations@hss.edu
212.606.1197

Lizzy Keach
Manager, Public & Media Relations
mediarelations@hss.edu
212.606.1197

Rachael Rennich
Senior Manager, Public & Media Relations
mediarelations@hss.edu
212.606.1197