Replacing the deteriorated Pier 54, the new “Pier55” would be a bold addition to the Manhattan waterfront — a $170 million, futuristic park built atop an undulating platform 186 feet off the Hudson River shoreline with a series of wooded nooks and three performance venues, including an amphitheater, and acting as a marine sanctuary for striped bass and guard the city against storms.
The offshore park near 14th Street might be considered fanciful were it not for its sponsor, the billionaire Barry Diller, an important figure in the television, film and Internet industries. To oversee events, Mr. Diller has recruited powerful partners, including Scott Rudin, the film and theater producer.
Heatherwick will be collaborating with landscape architect Mathews Nielson.
“New York City’s waterfront provides tremendous opportunities for everything from tourism to outdoor recreation, and Pier55 is the perfect example of how we can tap into that resource to build a more enjoyable city for all,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “Building this new pier will greatly improve the Hudson River Parkland, and I thank the Diller – von Furstenberg family for their generosity and vision in the pursuit of a better New York.”
“Hudson River Park has become a destination for millions of New Yorkers from across all five boroughs,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The revitalization and transformation of this pier into a vibrant arts and community space will bring new energy and new visitors to our waterfront.”
The wooded, offshore park will feature three outdoor performance spaces, including a 800-seat amphitheater. Visitors will be provided access via two dock-like pathways that connect back to an extended, publicly-funded esplanade that will run from Bloomfield Street to 14th Street.
Construction of the 2.7-acre Pier55 is expected to commence in 2016.
