HUDSON RIVER PARK, PHASE 1: PIER 45, 46, 51, + UPLAND AREAS

As prime consultant on the initial phase of Hudson River Park, ABB was responsible for reclaiming and transforming the Manhattan westside waterfront between Horatio and Clarkson Streets from an inaccessible, deteriorating industrial zone into a public open space destination with rich recreational opportunities. The firm led a multi-disciplinary team of consultants, providing design services and conceptual direction from programming through construction administration for this marine and upland park. The firm designed three piers reprogrammed for recreational use, reconstructed the relieving platforms, and restored the existing historic granite bulkhead. ABB's scope covered architectural elements, softscape and hardscape, and supporting infrastructure. 

Pier 45, delineated by three shade structures, is conceived primarily for passive use. It invites visitors to experience the Hudson River from either a perimeter walkway or a centralized open lawn. Pier 46 has a more differentiated section with a recessed synthetic turf area, a bosque adjacent to the esplanade, and a shaded picnic grove at the western end. The children’s playground at Pier 51,  conceptualized as a ship under sail that creates a wake in its path, features a prow-like vantage point jutting beyond the outboard edge of the pier, a water spray play area, and a watercourse extending back towards the esplanade.

The continuous granite and bluestone waterfront esplanade links these multiple park elements to a granite fountain, a display garden, a dog run, public restrooms, and a food concession. These amenities are backed by open lawns with lush plantings, subtle topographic variation, and plazas sited to highlight park entrances, pier connections, and river overlooks.

image credit: Joseph Sinnott/Scott Milhoun/Bob Vergan