west 8: governor's island masterplan breaks ground

west 8: governor’s island masterplan breaks ground
all images courtesy of governor’s island park

while new york city’s governor’s island had been off-limits to the public for centuries, mayor michael bloomberg has seen to the transformation of the once derelict area into a veritable recreation spot where new yorkers can enjoy the outdoors and views of the harbor. may 2012 marked the beginning of phase 1 of the new parkland which included the creation of hammock grove, play lawn and liggett terrace. while the added greenery is on schedule for completion in 2013, ‘the hills’ design by west 8 has just broken ground. the ceremony kicked off the pribately funded 36 million USD project that will turn the island into a hilly landscape.

see new york city’s mayor michael bloomberg’s full speech at the ground breaking here.

an overview of the rejuvenating project as announced by mayor bloomberg’s office
video courtesy of west 8

drawing from the synthetic topography of central park, the hills hearken to pre-colonial manhattan while simultaneously fortifying the land from rising sea levels. four landforms are built up from the remains of a demolished tower block. grassy hill will be a 28 foot high, gently sloping overlook point. a 38 foot high slide hill will contain 4 tree-shaded slopes that target children and families. discovery hill will host an art-slanted program with site-specific works along its pathways; and lastly, the monumental 80 foot tall outlook hill will specifically afford previously-unseen views of the statue of liberty and new york harbor.

governor’s island masterplan by west 8 breaks ground

governor’s island masterplan by west 8 breaks ground

governor’s island masterplan by west 8 breaks ground

governor’s island masterplan by west 8 breaks ground

governor’s island masterplan by west 8 breaks ground

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