NEWS | 2021-Present
DDC’s Osborn Street Plaza Project in Brooklyn Receives “Envision Verified Award” from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure
NYC.gov | January 25, 2024
The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that the Osborn Street Plaza project in Brownsville, Brooklyn, which will create an inviting new public space for the community, has been selected to receive an “Envision Verified Award” for sustainability from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). DDC is managing the project for DOT, and the plaza will be maintained by the Brownsville Community Justice Center (BCJC).
Bronx Point phase one opens with 542 new homes and a waterfront park
6 Square Feet | October 20, 2023
The first phase of a major mixed-use development in the South Bronx has officially opened. Officials on Thursday unveiled 542 new units of affordable housing and a 2.8-acre waterfront public park now complete as part of the $349 million Bronx Point project. The development will also be home to the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which will open in 2025 as the first museum of its kind in the country.
L+M Development Partners, Type A Projects, Bronxworks & The Hip Hop Museum cut the ribbon at Bronx Point
The City Life Org | October 20, 2023
Winning Project: Osborn Plaza
A host of elected officials, hip-hop luminaries and community leaders joined L+M Development Partners, Type A Projects, BronxWorks, and The Hip Hop Museum for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the housing and public space components at phase one of Bronx Point, the much-anticipated $349 million mixed-use development on the Harlem River waterfront in the South Bronx.
Playgrounds, libraries, and parks are recognized in the New York City Public Design Commission's Annual Awards for Excellence in Design
The Architect's Newspaper | July 12, 2023
Winning Project: Osborn Plaza
A new educational facility at the Queens Botanical Gardens, a Testbeds initiative to adapt an architectural model into public garden space, and public art projects and installations in parks and community buildings across all five boroughs are among the 21 winners of the New York City Public Design Commission’s (PDC) 40th and 41st Annual Awards for Excellence in Design.
Mayor Adams Announces Winners of Annual Awards for Excellence in Public Design
NYC.gov | June 28, 2023
Winning Project: Osborn Plaza
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Public Design Commission (PDC) Executive Director Sreoshy Banerjea today announced the winners of the 40th and 41st Annual Awards for Excellence in Design. The 21 winning projects were selected by PDC from hundreds of submissions and reviewed in 2021 and 2022.
Chelsea Waterside Park Reopens After $15.2M Overhaul
6 Sq Ft | June 19, 2023
Hudson River Park's Chelsea Waterside Park reopened last week after an extensive $15.2 million renovation. Designed by Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP and CDR Design Studio Architects, the park has been enhanced with new plantings, a public restroom, a permanent picnic area with lighting, a spacious turf sports field, and an expansive dog run. Located at West 23rd Street and the Westside Highway in Manhattan, the revamped park's layout prioritizes usable green space for New Yorkers.
Hudson River Park Trust Reopens Chelsea Waterside Park Following $15.2
Million Overhaul
The City Life Org | June 16, 2023
The Hudson River Park Trust announced the reopening of Hudson River Park's newly renovated Chelsea Waterside Park section. The extensive overhaul of the space reimagines this heavily used section of the Park through the thoughtful addition of new features and plants. The park area now includes a new public restroom, a permanents picnic area with lighting for evening use, an expanded and refreshed synthetic turf sports field, and an expanded dog run with water features and separate areas for small and large dogs.
Chelsea Park Reopens After $15.2 Million Makeover
Time Out | June 16, 2023
We're suckers for a good makeover, especially when the beautification in question is performed on one of our favorite green spaces. On Thursday, June 15, the Hudson River Park Trust unveiled the new and improved Chelsea Waterside Park, following an extensive $15.2 million overhaul of the space.
Chelsea Park Reopens After $15.2M Renovation
NY Post | June 16, 2023
Following an extensive overhaul, a portion of Manhattan's waterfront is back and bigger than before - and just in time for summer. At the borough's watery edge, where cityscape gives way to the Hudson River, a slice of public playspace is once again ready to host visitors. Originally built in conjunction with the reconstruction of a stretch of Route 9A - better known as the West Side Highway - in 2000, Chelsea Waterside Park has spent the past few years undergoing a multi-million-dollar facelift.
Hey Harlem, The Hudson River Park Trust Just Reopened The Chelsea Waterside Park
Harlem World | June 16, 2023
The Hudson River Park Trust announced today the reopening of Hudson River Park's newly renovated Chelsea Waterside Park section just 40 minutes from Harlem. The extensive overhaul of the space reimagines this heavily used section of the Park through the thoughtful addition of new features and plants. The park area now includes a new public restroom, a permanent picnic area with lighting for evening use, an expanded and refreshed synthetic turf sports field, and an expanded dog run with water features and separate areas for small and large dogs.
NYC Parks Unveils $5.2 Million Overhaul of Wakefield Playground in the Bronx
NYC Parks | July 25, 2022
On Friday, NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, representatives from Community Board 12, Friends of Wakefield Playground, teachers and students from P.S. 16, children and teachers from Demores Childcare, and members of the community to celebrate the $5.2 million reconstruction of Wakefield Playground in the Bronx.
Grand Opening of 50 Penn Mixed-Use Development in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn
Pennrose | June 10, 2022
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Pennrose, and RiseBoro Community Partnership today celebrated the grand opening of 50 Penn, a 218-unit 100% affordable housing development at 50 Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn. The mixed-use, mixed-income community was designed to address key priorities identified in the East New York Neighborhood Plan, including affordable housing, greater access to fresh food choices, and include community-wide benefits.
Northeast Bronx YMCA wins 2022 AIA New York Award
AIANY | January 2022
The Northeast Bronx YMCA addresses the critical need for recreational space in this corner of NYC, fulfilling a 30-year dream of the community for a multigenerational community center and hub. Developed in partnership with a broad coalition of community leaders and elected officials, it is a powerful reminder of the good that can come when our leaders, institutions, and community work together. Set on what was a wooded 3-acre site, the building program is organized into three separate pavilions placed gently on the site, preserving existing mature trees and respecting the natural sloped topography.
Hudson River Park Trust Breaks Ground on Phase Two of Chelsea Waterside Park Expansion Project in Manhattan
New York YIMBY | December 11, 2021
Hudson River Park Trust has kicked off construction for phase two of the Chelsea Waterside Park Expansion Project. Wedged between 23rd Street, Eleventh Avenue, and the West Side Highway, the project site will eventually include a permanent picnic area, new public restrooms or comfort stations, an expanded turf field for sports, a small concession stand, and an expanded dog run with pet-accessible fountains.
Construction Begins at Chelsea Waterside Park, Phase 2 In Manhattan
Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP Press Release | November 2021
Manhattan, NYC (October 2021) Construction has begun at Chelsea Waterside Park. This multi-phase project will temporarily close portions of the park to accommodate a new and exciting park design developed by Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP Landscape Architects (ABB). ABB’s transformative design reimagines the park while recognizing its importance as a strong local destination.
Free Skateboarding Clinics Have Kids Flocking To Skate Park In Brooklyn
CBS 2 New York | October 20, 2021
So over the summer, a local affordable housing development partnered with the Harold Hunter Foundation to bring free skateboarding clinics to local kids at the park four days a week. “It’s been overwhelmingly satisfying,” coach Bilao Ndongo told CBS2’s Ali Bauman. Ndongo lives in the neighborhood. “Just the fact the kids can have access to a space like this is important,” he said.
American Society of Landscape Architects, New York (ASLA-NY) Announces 2021 Design Award Recipients
ASLA New York | August 30, 2021
Annual Program Recognizes Excellence in the Practice of Landscape Architecture
New York, New York (August 30, 2021) – The American Society of Landscape Architects, New York (ASLA-NY), the New York City chapter of the national professional organization representing landscape architects, today announced the recipients of the Chapter’s 2021 Design Awards.
2021 ASLA-NY Merit Award Recipient: Betsy Head Park – Abel Bainnson Butz
Awards for Excellence in Design Honor Brooklyn Projects
Brooklyn Daily Eagle | June 14, 2021
The winners of the 39th annual awards for Excellence in Design were announced on Friday by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been, Public Design Commission President Signe Nielsen and Executive Director Keri Butler.
NYC Public Design Commission Names Excellence in Design Winners
Architect Magazine | June 14, 2021
Winning Projects: Red Hook & Bushwick Inlet Park, Motiva
Today, the New York City Public Design Commission announced the winners of its 39th Annual Awards for Excellence in Design, selecting 14 projects from hundreds of submissions. This year's recipients included several city parks, underscoring their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and exemplifying "how thoughtful and creative civic design can provide public spaces that enhance the health and well-being of New Yorkers," according the PDC press release announcing the winners.
Public Design Commission's 39th Annual Awards For Excellence in Design
NYC Design| June 10, 2021
Abel Bainnson Butz Winning Projects:
- Construction of Bushwick Inlet Park, Motiva Parcel
- Reconstruction of Soccer Fields at the Red Hook Recreationally Area, Phase IV
Bronx Point And Universal Hip Hop Museum Break Ground In The South Bronx
New York Yimby | May 23, 2021
Construction has broken ground on phase one of Bronx Point, a mixed-use development in the South Bronx. In addition to 542 affordable housing units, phase one includes construction of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, 2.8 acres of public open space, and a robust mix of community facilities.
Brooklyn's Betsy Head Park Gets Mega Makeover
Mommy Poppins | April 02, 2021
Betsy Head Park is the latest NYC green space to get a multi-million dollar overhaul. Renovations have wrapped up on the $30 million Anchor Parks project and the Brownsville, Brooklyn, park, and it's welcoming visitors just in time for the springtime temps.
Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner Silver, Elected Officials, and Community Members Cut Ribbon on $23 Million Phase II of Equity Initiative at Betsy Head Park in Brownsville
The Official Website of the City of New York | March 31, 2021
Today Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, were joined by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, City Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel, and community members to cut the ribbon on phase two of the $30 million reconstruction of Betsy Head Park in Brooklyn.
The New Betsy Head Park Is an Accessible, Pandemic-Friendly Retreat for Brooklynites
Metropolis Mag | March 17, 2021
Abel Bainnson Butz led the expansive $30 million update of Brownsville’s biggest park, with a focus on serving a range of abilities and activities.
Brooklyn’s Betsy Head Park Emerges From $30 Million Revamp with Rich Plantings and a Parkour Course
The Architect's Newspaper | March 03, 2021
Betsy Head has got a whole new look. The 106-year-old public park in Brownsville, Brooklyn, fully reopened late last year after a transformative $30 million redesign by landscape architects Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP
After $30-Million Renovation, Betsy Head Park in Brownsville Re-Opens to the Public
Bklyner. | February 05, 2021
After a multi-year, $30 million upgrade, Brownsville’s Betsy Head Park has opened to the public with a new event space, athletic fields and a parkour fitness course for teenagers.
Brownsville’s Betsy Head Park Open to the Public After $30M Upgrade
Brooklyn Reader | February 04, 2021
The revitalized park includes a new skate park, Parkour fitness course, inclusionary basketball court and remodeled green space.
$30 Million Betsy Head Park in Brownsville Opens to Public, Providing an Integral Revitalized Green Space to Thousands of Brooklyners
Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP Press Release | February 2021
Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP (ABB) Landscape Architects in collaboration with NYC Parks completed
construction of the much-anticipated overhaul of the 106-year-old Betsy Head Park.
Construction Set to Begin at Huge South Bronx Complex with Universal Hip Hop Museum
6sqft | January 06, 2021
S9 Architecture is leading the design of the 22-story development, with the publicly-accessible open space along the Harlem River designed by Marvel Architects and Abel Bainnson Butz.