WXY Architecture Reimagines Crumbling Pier 40 as Usable Park Land for Residents to Enjoy

A new plan by <a href="http://www.wxystudio.com/projects.html" target="_blank">WXY Architecture + Urban Design</a> envisions <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/hudson-river-brownfield-site-transformed-into-sustainable-long-dock-park/" target="_blank">Hudson River Park</a>’s currently crumbling Pier 40 as new housing and public green space for lower Manhattan residents to enjoy. Right now, the site hosts ball fields for seven youth sports groups, who have to compete for the limited field space on <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/pier-42-pop-up-waterfront-area-to-open-this-may/" target="_blank">the pier site</a>. The new plan would accommodate the growing population by providing more usable areas, two residential buildings and a direct link to the waterfront.

The current pier, on the west side at West Houston Street, is crumbling and run-down, with repairs needed throughout the complex.

WXY’s plan not only renovates the pier from disrepair, but calls for two twenty-two story <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/proposed-80-south-street-seaport-tower-has-edible-roof-farms-and-vertical-gardens/" target="_blank">residential high rises</a>, creating a new waterfront neighborhood.

The rent from the residential towers would also help raise the funds to put the project into realization, without creating the heavy foot traffic that a commercial complex would bring.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/event/new-event-submission-cocktails-conversation/" target="_blank">WXY’s plan</a> calls for a more unified park, removing some of the old pier building to connect the street and esplanade with the waterfront and park area, creating a more inviting passageway. With the expanded park area, the second floor of the pier building could be used for office rentals, helping to generate income to sustain the complex.

The park continues on the roof of the pier building, which would be planted with water-filtering grasses, and solar panels for green energy. An elevated mezzanine track wraps around the park, giving joggers a workout with a view.

WXY’s gorgeous plan for Pier 40 would create 40% <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/bjarke-ingels-pyramid-given-the-green-light-for-57th-street/" target="_blank">more park land</a> for New Yorkers to enjoy, while giving youth sports teams more fields to play on.