RPA is excited to invite you to join us for our Centennial Gala — celebrating a century of research, planning, and advocacy for the tri-state region and the opening of RPA’s Centennial Exhibition at Grand Central Terminal!

Project of the Year

When One Vanderbilt opened its doors in the fall of 2020, SL Green’s LEED Platinum architectural masterpiece redefined the Manhattan skyline and signaled the beginning of the recovery of New York City from the COVID pandemic. The result of a bold vision by SL Green and years of collaboration with the City and State, One Vanderbilt showed how New York would respond to the pandemic – by building higher, smarter, greener and more beautiful.

Occupying an iconic location next door to Grand Central Terminal, planners and architects created new public spaces on Vanderbilt Avenue and designed a building that respects and enhances the historic terminal, truly enriching the public realm. One Vanderbilt is also transforming the region’s transit and commuter rail network, by connecting directly to Grand Central Madison and making vital upgrades and improvements to the subway connections beneath Grand Central Terminal. When the LIRR’s East Side Access opens later this year, it will signal the single greatest expansion in our region’s commuter rail network in over a century – and will launch a new generation of regional rail investments, thanks to the leadership of the MTA, Port Authority, NJ Transit and Amtrak. One Vanderbilt is more than a once-in-a-generation transformation of Midtown Manhattan, but also the herald of what is to come. That is why Regional Plan Association is pleased to honor it as our Project of the Year!

Above and Beyond

As New York sets the standard for metropolitan regions across the nation and globe, few leaders can match the impact on the region of Scott Rechler. His extraordinary track record as a successful and innovative businessman has made RXR, where he serves as Chairman and CEO, a leading real estate owner, developer and investor in New York City and the region. RXR is building the New New York, from the mixed-use Google offices at Pier 57, which includes the largest public rooftop park in New York City, to the JetBlue Terminal at JFK Airport. From transit-oriented projects in New Rochelle and Glen Cove to reimagining what Midtown Manhattan’s commercial district will look like after COVID. In communities across the tri-state region, Scott is leading the way back from the pandemic.

On top of his paramount business successes, Scott also demonstrates a superhuman commitment to public service. He serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and several other non-profit boards aimed at enhancing our culture and community health. He previously served on the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as Vice Chair of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Scott has led RPA as its Chair since 2017, overseeing the completion of the Fourth Regional Plan and championing critical policies such as congestion pricing, upgrading our infrastructure systems, and building complete communities. Since COVID hit in 2020, he has led a series of public conversations with business, civic and public leaders across the region to talk about how we could Recalibrate Reality in a post-COVID world. Scott’s dedication to our region and to RPA is unmatched. It is appropriate and right that he be recognized with RPA’s Centennial Above and Beyond Award.

Making it Happen

Throughout her career leading business, civic and government institutions, Hope has builtthriving and equitable communities. Working at such diverse organizations as Morgan Stanley, the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC), Hope demonstrated how creating economic opportunity for people in all neighborhoods – and from all backgrounds – would build lasting prosperity. She knew that a strong workforce needs affordable, healthy housing and reliable, accessible mobility options. During her time at GJDC, Hope oversaw the creation of the Greater Nexus coworking space for local entrepreneurs, eventually creating over 250 jobs in the community. In her first year as President & CEO of Empire State Development Corporation, she has championed the Penn Station General Project Plan, a supreme act of city-building which will plan and help finance the renovation and expansion of Penn Station as a vital component of the Gateway project. And no matter what position she is in or were she is working, she has shown how collaboration creates better projects for communities by listening to concerns and responding to stakeholders.

At RPA we were sorry to lose our board Vice Chair when Hope stepped down to join the administration of Governor Kathy Hochul, but our loss is New York’s gain. Congratulations Hope, we are delighted to confer on you RPA’s Centennial Making It Happen Award!

RPA’s Centennial Exhibition

For 100 years, Regional Plan Association has been an indispensable source of ideas for policy makers and opinion shapers across the tri-state region.

The year 2022 is a landmark year in the tri-state metropolitan region’s history – the 100^th anniversary of Regional Plan Association. This milestone is both a cause for celebration of RPA’s many achievements over the last century and an opportunity to make a renewed commitment to RPA and its future.

Produced by architect, historian and filmmaker James Sanders, the exhibition will occupy the east side of Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal. Pre-pandemic Grand Central Terminal had over 750,000 daily visitors with over 200,000 passing through Vanderbilt Hall.

Sponsorship Opportunities

For more information contact Julie Truax at jtruax@rpa.org or 646-244-6460

Sponsors