NYC's Times Square Migrant Hotel to Close: A Turning Point?

<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/08/10/multimedia/10met-row-hotel-1-tpch/10met-row-hotel-1-tpch-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&amp;auto=webp&amp;disable=upscale" alt="A couple, with the man holding a baby, and other people stand in front of a hotel whose marquee reads “Row NYC.”">

Mayor Eric Adams announced the closure of the Row NYC hotel, a Times Square landmark that served as a temporary shelter for migrants. The hotel will cease operations in April, marking a significant shift in NYC's response to the migrant crisis.

The Row's Legacy

The Row, a four-star hotel, was among the first and largest hotels converted into a migrant shelter three years ago when the city faced an influx of tens of thousands of migrants. The $40 million contract with the hotel, costing $190 per room per night, became a key part of the city's emergency response. This closure represents the winding down of that emergency response.

The Reason Behind the Closure

The decision comes amidst a significant decrease in migrant arrivals. Border crossings have plummeted, leading to a decline in the city's migrant population. Families housed at the Row will be relocated to other shelters within the city's existing homeless shelter system.

The Broader Context

This closure reflects a broader trend in NYC's migrant shelter strategy. The city has already closed numerous other shelters, including other large hotels. The drastic reduction in migrant arrivals has allowed the city to shift its focus to more traditional shelter methods.

Ongoing Challenges

While the closure signifies progress, NYC still shelters over 35,400 migrants. The city's overall homeless population, including migrants, exceeds 92,000. The long-term implications of the migrant crisis and the city's response continue to be debated.

The Political Landscape

The Row's operation was a subject of intense political debate. Supporters viewed it as a necessary measure to prevent families from becoming homeless. Critics, however, raised concerns about cost and potential safety issues.

The closure of the Row marks a turning point in NYC’s handling of the migrant crisis, signaling a shift towards long-term solutions and a decrease in reliance on temporary emergency measures.