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    1. Management

    MTA announces reopening of Turnstyle underground retail hub at 59 St-Columbus Circle Station

    Oct. 15, 2020
    The agency is developing a rent relief proposal for tenants, which will be brought before the board in October.
    Related To: MTA Headquarters
    Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit
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    Turnstyle, a collection of small businesses in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Columbus Circle subway station, reopened to the public Oct. 14.

    Buoyed by colorful murals created by members of the Black Artists Collective, including selections by celebrity street artist Gazoo, the block-long retail complex will again feature shopping and a global array of New York food vendors for grab-and-go take-out. All stores at Turnstyle have been retrofitted to ensure proper social distancing. In addition, masks are required while traveling through the corridor, as well as while riding on public transit, and hand sanitizer dispensers are available throughout the space.

    “The reopening of Turnstyle is an important moment for our customers and for New York City as the economy rebuilds,” said Janno Lieber, president of MTA Construction & Development. “As we welcome restaurant and retail owners, along with our customers, safety remains a priority -- from wearing masks to social distancing. Rebooting our economy will help the MTA and the region recover and we’re delighted to see Turnstyle reopening.” 

    To ensure these businesses are set up for continued success, the MTA says it will be proposing to the MTA Board this month a package that would provide financial relief to tenants, including those at Turnstyle, until ridership returns. Lease modifications under consideration include a plan to change fixed rent to a structure based on a percentage of business’ revenues and abating a portion of rent payments that had been previously deferred. National chains and banks would be excluded from these modifications. The MTA is committed to working with tenants to provide a successful path forward, while also protecting taxpayers by maximizing revenue to support its transportation mission. 

    “Turnstyle is where small business entrepreneurs are able to celebrate their creativity and vision,” said Susan Fine, Turnstyle’s developer. “This is where you will find extraordinary culinary variety, from Russian and Chinese dumplings, to sushi, empanadas, hummus, paella, pizza, bubble tea and so much more. The MTA has provided us with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring a special amenity to commuters, workers and neighbors, and we are following state laws and guidelines to ensure everyone is safe coming back. This is yet another example of their unwavering confidence in the merits of our city.”

    Turnstyle may be reached directly from 1-A-B-C-D trains, or from street entrances at Eighth Avenue and 57th and 58th Streets. 

    The MTA says it continues aggressively cleaning and disinfecting trains and stations to ensure all employees and customers are safe. To date, the MTA has made available six million masks provided by the state and the city to its customers who can also pick one up as they enter the subway system. Additionally, there is a PPE vending machine at the Columbus Circle hub and the MTA has distributed 750,000 mini-bottles of NYC Clean Hand Sanitizer to riders.