The Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street

New York, NY, USA

Photo © Nathan Sayers

Architects: ROGERS PARTNERS Architects+Urban Designers

Location: New York, NY, USA
Year: 2005

The design for this elevated plaza transforms a barren, windswept deck into a vibrant, multi-programmed and accessible public park. Designed by Rogers Partners with Ken Smith Landscape Architect, the park is one acre in total area, was built above a four-story parking facility, and ties into the planned Green Necklace that circles the edge of Manhattan. A gleaming cascade of new escalators, stairs and planting beckons pedestrians at street level to discover what may be at the top. Once there, they enjoy panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York Harbor amidst lush seasonal flora or under the plaza’s beacon tower. Illuminated by programmable LEDs, the tower announces the park to visitors along the highway, the harbor and across the river in Brooklyn Heights. It also provides support space for year-round event planning, additional park amenities and concessions services.

The plaza is designed to host a wide range of programs from ice-rink, to outdoor amphitheater, to wedding receptions. It has become a favorite spot for commuters to enjoy their lunch break, for tourists to take in views of the Brooklyn Bridge and for neighbors to meet for movies under the stars.