Hudson River Park

A new plan for development was announced in 1992 by then-Governor Mario Cuomo and then-Mayor David Dinkins, targeting Pier 76 opposite the Javits Center, Chelsea Piers, and Pier 40 as key locations for commercial development that would support the park. The 1992 memorandum also created the Hudson River Park Corporation, quickly renamed the Hudson River Park Conservancy, a government agency composed of members appointed by the governor and mayor.

MNLA Principal Signe Nielsen was the joint venture partner on the team that prepared a comprehensive master plan and design guidelines for the 550-acre Hudson River Park that stretches from the Battery to 59th Street, including 13 public access piers. This plan is premised on reclaiming the waterfront for public benefit. Throughout the master plan, the design team collaborated closely with NYS DOT to integrate the bikeway into the park plan.

Hudson River Park was created in 1997 with a cost of $330 million for 550 acres, including 13 piers and 5 miles of esplanade. The largest pier within the park, Pier 40, at Houston Street, currently has 2,200 long-term parking spaces as well as indoor and outdoor athletic fields. At least half of the 12 million square feet that make up Pier 40 is designated parkland, with the rest committed to compatible park and commercial uses. More than three decades since the plan was completed, the park is a valuable resource to area residents and visitors.