By Joseph Morales

Columbus Circle is one of Midtown’s several large public spaces with a subway station directly in its name. The 59th St-Columbus Circle station serves five subway routes providing both local and express service on the West Side of Manhattan. Additionally, the station provides direct connections to many areas of the city in the outer boroughs. While Columbus Circle isn’t known for glaring lights or iconic ice skating rinks the way other spots are, Columbus Circle does have several special places to visit.

                 One of these unique spots is the Turnstyle Underground Market located directly within the 59th St-Columbus Circle subway station. The market is located outside of the fare zone, meaning you do not have to pay the subway fare to enjoy what the market has to offer. The Turnstyle Underground Market is a vibrant strip mall with a diverse range of shopping, food and entertainment options. Retail options range from a retro collectible store to a store selling KPOP apparel and many things in between. While the station itself is complex to navigate, there is plenty of signage throughout the station to direct you to the underground mall.

                 In addition, the food offerings truly reflect the ethnic melting pot in New York City with meal options including Asian Fusion and handcrafted Argentinian Empanadas. Classic offerings New Yorkers love including bubble tea and pretzels are available too. The market also has fun options such as fried mini donuts, Chick’n Cones and salted baked goods. Best of all, all of the food establishments have a fast food-like format. Thus, you won’t have to worry about long waits to enjoy the authentic and mouth watering cuisine you can find at the Turnstyle Underground Market. This makes a snack or even meal perfect for when you’re in a hurry or you want to have something before a long subway ride. 

HISTORY OF NEW YORK’S LARGEST UNDERGROUND MARKET

              How did the Turnstyle Underground Market become one of New York’s go to shopping spots with its location within the subway system? The Turnstyle Underground Market opened in April 2016 and was constructed to add vibrancy to what was a large, desolate passageway in the 59th St-Columbus Circle station complex. The $14.5 million project was financed by the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group along with principal of Oases Real Estate Susan Fine. Regarding the market’s retail variety, Susan Fine told the New York Times upon the market’s opening “It would have been very easy to do five large stores. The secret is the diversity of uses.” Susan Fine has and continues to have a major impact on development efforts throughout prominent public spaces that has included the addition of retail stores at Grand Central Terminal. The Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group also has a plethora of experience investing in urban communities, with over $3 billion invested annually toward community and economic development through many projects such as real estate projects and social enterprises.

                The construction of the underground mall came with several new challenges for developers. Since its underground and in the subway system, all important approvals and inspections for the project were conducted by the MTA rather than the NYC Department of Buildings. This meant developers had to work under different policies and procedures that went beyond typical building codes.

A MARVEL OF A SHOPPING CENTER

                 The construction of the Turnstyle Underground Market is a prime example of what can happen when one is willing to innovate and attempt a new approach to growing businesses. At the market, retailers and food merchants take advantage of the unique opportunity to sell their products to people who pass by during their commutes for varying amounts of time. In addition, quality commercial space in the subway system is one way to make owning a Manhattan business accessible to more people as demand for retail real estate in the borough is high.

                   In addition, projects like the Turnstyle Underground Market demonstrate the positive effects of a public-private partnership, in which a private entity can make a profit and a public agency can receive revenue that helps them to provide services. This is all while helping to complete meaningful projects and in cases like this, spur economic development in communities. The MTA formed a partnership with realtor Susan Fine under a 20-year lease with an option for a 10-year extension. The lease included $5.4 million over the 20 years and another $5 million in station improvements to the Columbus Circle subway station. The $5.4 million in rent the MTA will receive can also go to other important MTA projects such as improving critical subway infrastructure and improving other stations. 

                    Without a question, the Turnstyle Underground Market has been a major success for both private developers and the MTA. In addition, the public is able to enjoy a distinct shopping and dining experience they cannot find anyone else. Whether you’re riding the train or not, the market is definitely worth checking out because it is truly a prime New York attraction. Hopefully, the Turnstyle Underground Market is a symbol to both locals and tourists that when private entities and the government work together, they can achieve great things that have a lasting impact on their communities.

Works Cited

Dunlap, David W. “At Columbus Circle, a New Home for Underground Gourmets (Published 2016).” The New York Times, 23 March 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/24/nyregion/at-columbus-circle-a-new-home-for-underground-gourmets.html. Accessed 4 March 2024.

“Food.” Turnstyle Underground Market, https://www.turn-style.com/food/. Accessed 4 March 2024.

“Impact Investing.” Goldman Sachs, https://www.goldmansachs.com/what-we-do/asset-management/impact-investing/. Accessed 4 March 2024.

Lapin-Tatman, Jayden. “Manhattan’s Retail Market Makes Strong Recovery in 2023 | United States.” Cushman & Wakefield, 14 February 2024, https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/news/2024/02/manhattans-retail-market-makes-strong-recovery-in-2023. Accessed 4 March 2024.

“Shops.” Turnstyle Underground Market, https://www.turn-style.com/shops/. Accessed 4 March 2024.

“Turnstyle Underground Market — Cadence Property Group LLC.” Cadence Property Group, https://www.cadence-property.com/turnstyle. Accessed 4 March 2024.