The New York City Public Design Commission has unanimously approved a new climate-resilient design for the 79th Street Boat Basin, marking a significant milestone in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy's devastating impact over a decade ago. Brooklyn-based Architecture Research Office (ARO) designed the replacement facility, which will restore one of Manhattan's most cherished waterfront destinations after years of planning and public review.
When Hurricane Sandy struck New York City in 2012, the historic 79th Street Boat Basin suffered extensive damage that left it permanently compromised. The superstorm splintered docks throughout the marina, caused severe structural damage to the existing dockhouse, and destroyed critical infrastructure that never fully recovered. After struggling with deteriorating conditions for nearly a decade, the Parks Department was forced to close the beloved marina entirely in 2021, displacing all tenants and beginning an ambitious reconstruction effort.
The approved design represents the centerpiece of a comprehensive $90 million overhaul developed in collaboration with FEMA. ARO's new 3,800-square-foot dockhouse will be elevated above the Hudson River on a foundation of nine columns, ensuring compliance with FEMA flood-zone requirements while minimizing visual impact on the surrounding Riverside Park. The one-story structure features an innovative approach to environmental integration, with chamfered corners and an angled floor plan that embed the building naturally into its context while providing spectacular views in all directions.
From the Henry Hudson Parkway, the new facility will maintain a discreet presence, carefully shielded by existing topography and mature trees that have defined the area's character for generations. A green roof system will make the building appear seamlessly integrated into the landscape when viewed from the upper levels of nearby apartment buildings along Riverside Drive. The exterior will feature low-luster stainless steel cladding designed to reflect sunlight and water, while specially designed windows with frit patterns will protect migrating birds from collision hazards.
The reconstruction effort extends far beyond the new dockhouse, encompassing a fifteen-acre revitalization project that will transform the entire marina complex. Plans include dredging the basin for the first time in decades, completely replacing the damaged dock system, and establishing expanded educational partnerships with organizations like the Billion Oyster Project and the Department of Education. This comprehensive approach aims to restore the marina's capacity to serve the 1,000-person waiting list that has accumulated over fifteen years.
The 79th Street Boat Basin holds deep historical significance as more than just a marina facility. Originally conceived as part of Robert Moses's ambitious West Side Improvement Project, the basin opened in 1937 alongside the monumental 79th Street Rotunda, quickly establishing itself as a vital component of New York's maritime culture. Over the decades, it evolved into a vibrant community hub that served as home to houseboat residents, a launching point for recreational kayakers and canoeists, and a popular social gathering place for water enthusiasts.
The marina attracted notable New Yorkers throughout its golden years, including acclaimed author Mario Puzo and legendary entertainer Frank Sinatra, who kept their boats at the prestigious facility. However, the combined effects of aging infrastructure and severe weather events gradually undermined the basin's functionality. By the early 2000s, facilities were showing serious signs of deterioration, and Hurricane Sandy's unprecedented storm surge ultimately demonstrated the site's dangerous vulnerability to flooding and wave damage.
Inside the new facility, the compact but efficiently designed space will provide all essential operations needed to manage the unique 24/7 marina, which serves as New York City's only location that permits year-round live-aboard residents. The interior layout includes dedicated workspace for Parks Department staff, comprehensive storage solutions, and specialized services to support the floating community that calls the basin home. Large corner windows will frame panoramic views in every direction, while integrated shading devices and the green roof system will significantly reduce energy consumption and help the structure blend harmoniously with the surrounding parkland.
ARO collaborated closely with Moffatt & Nichol Engineering and PSS, who served as architect of record, to ensure the project meets the highest standards for both environmental performance and operational efficiency. The entire project is targeting LEED Silver certification, reflecting the city's commitment to sustainable design practices in all major infrastructure investments. With the Public Design Commission's unanimous approval now secured, the long-awaited reconstruction can move forward toward completion, promising to restore this iconic piece of New York's waterfront heritage for future generations of boaters and maritime enthusiasts.
