The program to redevelop the Hills at Governors Island saw a shuttered military outpost in New York Harbor being transformed into a lush public park. As part of a joint venture, STV provided resident engineering and inspection services (REI) and design review for this ambitious project to rethink the existing Governors Island. Visitors now enjoy free arts and cultural events, activities and more at a park that operates year-round.
One of the most challenging aspects of the new park was creating four man-made hills ranging in height from 25 to 70 feet above sea level. The Hills were formed using terraced, mechanically stabilized earth and more than 325,000 cubic yards of lightweight fill and soil.
The first phase included 30 acres of park and public spaces; the upgrade of Soissons Dock, the only vehicular landing on the island; transfer bridges; reconstruction of the seawall and the island drainage system; restoration of potable water and electrical distribution systems; and the stabilization of historic buildings.
The effort earned the project an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York.
30
park acreage
25-70
feet above sea level
75,000
new plantings
