Hudson River Park
New York, NY
The granite-faced and concrete bulkhead (ca. 1870-1935) along Manhattan’s Hudson River represents a highly significant engineering accomplishment in the development of the city’s waterfront.
As Preservation Architects, Li · Saltzman’s goal was not only the preservation of the historic bulkhead and pier features, but the seamless integration of the historic components with new landscape design creating a continuous esplanade and park along the city’s edge. Key to the project was the utilization of the bulkhead as the waterfront park’s defining edge, and the use of materials, textures, and features that recall the rich history of NYC’s waterfront.
For the 5-mile length of the park Li · Saltzman prepared “Historic Bulkhead Rehabilitation Standards and Bulkhead Conditions Reports,” and reviewed rehabilitation work and new park designs for compliance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The Hudson River Park project reclaimed the city’s Hudson River waterfront for public recreational use and has been hailed as “the most important park to grace New York City since the creation of Central Park.”
