Department of Defense Park, Jersey City
Client:
Contact: 		Hines Interest
Randy Wissel

Relevant Project Features:
  • Waterfront Park with Seating Alcoves & Steel Trellis
  • Decorative Waterfront Walkway
  • Large Seeded Open Space Park
  • Connection to Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
  • Environmental Remediation
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          Dresdner Robin provided landscape architectural design services for the preparation of Conceptual Designs for a public waterfront park with a spectacular view of New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and Liberty State Park. The project is located at the southeastern section of the Colgate Redevelopment Area adjacent to a high-density mixed commercial/residential district. The Park will link the Colgate Esplanade and a future waterfront promenade to the west.

          Dresdner Robin was tasked to develop conceptual designs for the creation of an interim open space park that will serve as a focal point for the city, extend Hudson Waterfront walkway into the Morris Canal Basin and provide an appealing backdrop for the new 30 Hudson Building. The design needs to consider existing structural constraints, remediate environmental conditions and provide an economic basis for future park improvements.

          The site perimeter is dominated by a decayed crib-wall bulkhead that is slated for future improvement. Dresdner Robin reviewed historic data to determine the extent of crib-wall construction and develop interim improvements to stabilize areas for public access. Foundations of previously demolished structures were mapped and evaluated for future reuse as structural support for park amenities. A past industrial site, the property required the development of engineering controls to prevent contact with contaminated soils.

          Three concept plans were developed to provide differing combinations of passive and active open space. Designs were developed to frame exceptional view lines of the Statue of Liberty and New York. The chosen design features a large irrigated informal lawn area that gently slopes towards the river providing space for picnics, games or just a place to relax and escape the rigid urban environment. The lawn area is bound by shrub planting and a fence to protect people from the existing damaged bulkhead. The large walkway connects the Colgate esplanade and extends it to the terminus of Hudson St. where an allee' of flowering trees and shrub plantings provide a focal point and seasonal color. The main entrance to the park is at the corner of Hudson and Essex St., and as you enter, your view is forced to the 60' high flagpole located near the waters edge at the southern end of the site. This was achieved by the use of rows of flowering trees and (16) 6' high rough-hewn granite sculptures that mimic soldiers standing at attention. The new walkway used the same decorative pavement and lighting found on the Colgate Esplanade for design continuity and harmony. Seating is provided both formally and informally; benches are located throughout the walkway, with a main seating area located at the midpoint of the walkway. They are emphasized by granite and steel trellis system that provides architectural detail and shade, while the row of flowering trees and evergreens provide a pleasant screen of the nearby roadway. The long arc of the walkway provided the perfect setting for stadium seat steps and provides a connection to the lawn area. Mixed plantings throughout the site soften the site and provide year-round interest.