A slice of heaven in Hell's Kitchen

In the heart of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, !melk have redesigned Hudson River Park’s northernmost pier, offering a respite from the city and nearby West Side Highway.

The new Pier 97 will feature a series of connected spaces with walkways, sculptural canopies and a playground, as well as an elevated belvedere overlooking the river, water play features, and a small sports field.

Construction on Pier 97 is expected to begin next year. Image credit - MELK.

Located off 57th Street and 12th Avenue, Pier 97 was used as a docking pier until the 1970s when it became a parking lot for the Department of Sanitation, and was most recently an outdoor music venue. Today, it is one of several Hudson River Park piers currently under construction.

!melk’s redesign will transform the pier from a concrete strip into nearly two acres of green space.

The 680x120 foot lot offers coveted outdoor space in a space-strapped city, boasting an entry plaza, sun lawn, sunset deck with unbelievable views, flexible gathering areas both in its centre and far west end, and colourful, varied landscaping.

The project is set for completion in 2024. Image credit - MELK.

Its elevated promenade will overlook the Hudson River and feature the West Side Highway as a backdrop. A variety of seating zones, such as wooden steps in gathering spaces, as well as a shade awning, make the park an attractive space to relax and spend time, and carefully placed lighting allows it to be enjoyed even at night.

Pier 97’s playground is colourful and dotted with water features. The creators describe its elements as, “designed to inspire children to have self-led adventures, explore, and discover.”

!melk’s redesign will transform the pier from a concrete strip into nearly two acres of green space. Image credit - MELK.

The 4.5-mile Hudson River Park, which stretches from West 59th Street to Tribeca on Manhattan’s West Side, is currently undergoing a $1 billion overhaul, with dozens of repurposed piers currently in varying stages of design and completion.

!melk worked with the Hudson River Park trust, and received input from local residents to make Pier 97 a collaborative design. Construction on the $38 million project is due to begin in 2021, with an anticipated opening in 2024.

The new Pier 97 will feature a series of connected spaces with walkways, sculptural canopies and a playground, as well as an elevated belvedere overlooking the river, water play features, and a small sports field. Image credit - MELK.