The project is part of the larger Lower Manhattan Coastal Resilience portfolio aimed at reducing flood risk from coastal storms and sea level rise
04/03/2024 NEW YORK, NY TSX, NYSE:STN
The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) awarded Envision Platinum to the Battery Coastal Resilience Project, part of the larger Lower Manhattan Coastal Resilience portfolio aimed at reducing flood risk from coastal storms and sea level rise. The project will rebuild the existing, deteriorating wharf structure at a higher elevation to protect against sea level rise while integrating with this iconic waterfront park at the southern tip of Manhattan.
Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, serves as lead designer for the project, which is led by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) on behalf of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice.
“The Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency (LMCR) project sets the standard for future projects of this kind, marrying coastal protection with an ambitious sustainability agenda,” said Andrew Kimball, president and chief executive officer of NYCEDC. “We are proud of LMCR and the teams involved for receiving the Envision Platinum Award, all in an effort to create a cleaner, greener New York City.”
The Battery is home to extensive gardens, artwork, and cultural landmarks. It is also the departure point for vessels taking thousands of passengers to the Statue of Liberty each year. The project will ensure the waterfront’s resilience over the next 80 years and promote sustainable and resilient infrastructure in Lower Manhattan, a vital district of New York City.
The Envision framework was used throughout the project’s development to track and improve sustainability performance. Exploring opportunities across key themes—such as reducing embodied carbon, managing stormwater quantity and quality, and minimizing waste sent to landfills—resulted in several innovative strategies. These strategies include reusing site materials, utilizing locally sourced and low-carbon materials, and investigating transportation alternatives that reduce emissions and pollutants.
Among the unique features of the wharf design is the multi-level slip design. It provides universal access to vessels with varying freeboard heights for the wide range of sea level elevations at the wharf from the present day to 2100. This adaptive design provides flexibility for uncertain future conditions while preserving views of the Harbor, architectural details, and the character of the existing beloved park.
Material reuse and waste management were drivers of the design, which incorporates significant quantities of granite, metals, and wood from the existing site and provides a hierarchy for removals that prioritizes reuse and recycling and minimizes landfill waste. Plantings in the harsh waterfront environment were specified for salt tolerance and anticipated increasing urban heat, while maintaining the colorful perennial variety throughout the seasons that characterizes the larger park design.
“With the Battery’s rich history and cultural significance, this project demanded a holistic approach to sustainable and resilient design,” said Greg Sprich, principal at Stantec. “The team rose to the challenge and delivered a project that not only provides much needed coastal protection to Lower Manhattan, but also serves as a case study for reducing waste and embodied carbon for future infrastructure projects.”
The project will contribute to long-term community goals by addressing the impending sea level rise, restoring the wharf conditions for continued safe usability, and preserving the Battery’s iconic and historic character. Construction is being divided into two phases of potential wharf closures to minimize disruptions to park and ferry activity to and from Liberty and Ellis Islands, with a project completion targeted for 2026.
Learn more about the project’s verified sustainability achievements.
Additional Quotes
“With sea levels rising and storms growing stronger and more frequent, it is vital that we invest in protecting our city from the effects of climate change. Our innovative plans for the Battery are helping to ensure that the Lower Manhattan waterfront is well-prepared for the 21st century’s extreme weather and rising tides, without sacrificing New Yorkers’ access to this historic and beloved greenspace. The challenges of climate change affect cities across the country and around the world, and I’m so proud that New York City is setting an example with this creative and exciting approach, which rebuilds our critical infrastructure while minimizing waste and utilizing local, recycled materials.”
— Sue Donoghue, commissioner at New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
“As New York City advances coastal resilience projects in a dense urban environment, it is essential that we minimize harmful emissions from our construction and waste sent to landfills. With NYCEDC’s Envision Platinum Award, the city has met and exceeded our Clean Construction Accelerator goal of reducing embodied emissions in infrastructure projects by 50 percent.”
— Elijah Hutchinson, executive director at New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice
“The Battery protected Manhattan against threats from the sea when its shoreline forts deterred foreign navies. Today, the Battery is called to serve again—to defend the city we love from the sea itself. The Battery Conservancy is proud to work with New York's leadership to ensure that this storied public space will continue to attract and comfort water-gazers and garden-lovers.”
— Warrie Price, president and founder at The Battery Conservancy
“Resilient and sustainable environments are the result of collective effort and vision, which is at the core of the Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency – Battery Project. This award recognizes the extensive planning, design, and coordination efforts made by the team to showcase sustainable resilience infrastructure and green construction practices.”
— Ethan Smith, project manager/Envision lead – construction at Hunter Roberts Construction Group
“As communities invest in infrastructure projects, it’s crucial to incorporate sustainable and resilient features that account for the projected impacts of climate change. This project is an outstanding demonstration of how a project team can successfully work with a variety of community stakeholders to assess infrastructure vulnerability and use the Envision framework to plan for resiliency.”
— Kristi Wamstad, verification director at ISI
About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.
We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.
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Media Contact
Trevor Eckart
Stantec Media Relations
Ph: (215) 665-7187
trevor.eckart@stantec.com
