Five of New York City’s Waterfront Piers Transform

New York City’s waterfront real estate is seeing a transformation of abandoned piers into vibrant parks and public spaces.

Pier 57

Abandoned from 2003 to 2009, the Hudson River Park Trust along with developer Youngwoo & Associates redeveloped the site into the “Superpier.” Google plans to lease 350,000 square feet of office space within the new structure and the public space will include an outdoor rooftop terrace, spaces to host educational programming and cultural events, and a food hall.

Pier 55

British architect, Thomas Heatherwick, has designed a three-acre park that will perch above the Hudson River, which should be completed in late 2019. The renovated pier will include a walking path, a seating area, and open lawns. It will also provide educational opportunities for students and have three performance spaces, including a waterfront amphitheater.

Pier 17

The Howard Hughes Corporation is working with SHoP Architects to transform Pier 17 into an upscale dining and an outdoor rooftop space – due to open in August of 2018 – which will double as a concert venue that will have standing room for 3,400 people.

Pier 26

Olin Studio is creating an eco-friendly space that supports education and play with two junior soccer fields, a wetland tidal pool area, a deck with city views, and a large lawn. An education center – called the Estuarium – is planned for the future.

Pier 2 Uplands

The renovated pier will become part of the Brooklyn Bridge Park, bringing an additional 3.4 acres to the existing parkland. It will also include a pop-up pool, a water garden, and a 6,300-square-foot lawn that will feature seating made with granite from the Brooklyn Bridge.