Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City, New York
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Location
Google map
Site plan
Description
Gantry Plaza is a state park that is located on the East River in the Hunter’s Point section of Long Island City, in the borough of Queens, New York. The six acre park’s design began in 1993, and was opened in phases until the final phase was completed and opened in 2001. Gantry Plaza State Park is the first phase of a twelve block park system that eventually will run along the East River Long Island shoreline.
Designer(s)
The design was a combined effort with Thomas Balsley Associates, Sowinski Sullian Architects and Lee Weintraub.
http://www.tbany.com/projects_page.php?projectid=127&categoryid=4
http://www.sowinskisullivan.com/
Design/ programmatic goals
One of the focal points of the park is the gantries which will help incorporate and reflect the history of the park. The now restored gantries were once used to load and unload rail car floats and barges; today they are used as reminders of the waterfront’s past. The program and intent behind the design was to incorporate the richness and variety of the plaza’s special experiences and design elements which are inspired by the diversity of its shoreline and adjoining neighborhood.
Strengths
In the summer Gantry Plaza State park is a success because it attracts people to the park. In the summer, there is pier just for fishing, places for sunbathing, strolling, contemplation, grassy areas for public gatherings, and seating to look over the East River. The plaza serves as a backyard for the residents of the surrounding area, which is comprised of seventy four acres of high rise housing. In the winter the plaza which is designed with granite seating blocks and planted with native grasses and sages. When the snow falls its offset by the brownish color of the sages and grasses which give the landscape a whole new look which can be appreciated while walking through the paths but also from the office windows and the high rise buildings.
Success
As of right now the project is a success. The plaza has won numerous awards in a variety of subjects. It serves the population of Long Island by giving the area a large space with a park, lounging areas, piers, and open areas. When the plaza was first proposed there was a strong public disapproval however it soon turned into real enthusiasm as the park took shape and finally opened. Hunter’s point residents took it upon themselves and formed the “Friends of Gantry State Park” and became dedicated to the park’s upkeep. Successfully, Gantry Plaza State Park ties in the history and the future of Long Island City in New York.
Pictures from Thomas Balsley Associates http://www.tbany.com/projects_page.php?projectid=127&categoryid=4
