Last fall the Garment District Alliance (GDA) released the redesign plans of its iconic Button & Needle sculpture, featuring a new installation which references the neighborhood’s history. After a minor delay, the new sculpture was officially unveiled this morning!
Located in the heart of the Garment District the original kiosk structure was built in the 1970s, functioning as a fashion industry resource and information center. When the GDA was formed in 1993 it was given permission to renovate the structure, in which the button and needle sculpture designed by James Biber was added, becoming an instant neighborhood icon.
It’s been nearly three decades after its most recent renovation. A new version of the Button & Needle has replaced the outdated kiosk, now with the addition of a thread propping up the needle, further articulating its Pop Art concept.
The new structure designed by Local Projects and UAP Company is 28 feet tall with a 15-foot diameter aluminum button and 32-foot brushed stainless-steel needle.
The GDA worked closely with the DOT throughout the development of the new structure, and the new design allows for improved sight lines and enhanced pedestrian flow on Seventh Avenue.
“The famed Button & Needle structure has been a landmark in the Garment District for decades, representing NYC’s prominent fashion industry and serving as a beloved symbol of our neighborhood and its rich history,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the GDA. “We are thrilled to unveil a newly designed structure that will pay tribute to the original Button & Needle while serving as an outstanding piece of public art.”
You can learn more about the permanent art installation on the Garment District’s website.