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A leading full-service engineering firm renowned for our trusted, high quality, and innovative approach to solving complex challenges.

Pier 42 Redevelopment

The Pier 42 Redevelopment project marks a significant milestone in the transformation of an 8-acre industrial site into a vibrant recreational pier and adjacent upland park along the East River in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. This redevelopment has transformed a previously underused parking lot and decaying industrial site into a dynamic public space that enhances community access to the waterfront.

Transforming Pier 42: From Industrial Site to Recreational Haven

The redevelopment of Pier 42 boasts several key features that enhance its appeal and functionality. The existing pier has been renovated to support a variety of athletic and recreational amenities, including soccer fields with synthetic turf, tennis and basketball courts, adult athletic equipment, and a pavilion with seating and a removable movie screen.

The former industrial site has been transformed into an expansive upland park featuring a nature walk, playgrounds, picnic knoll, public restroom building, and fountain plaza. The on-site industrial shed has been repurposed into a pavilion and shade structure, preserving its historical significance while incorporating modern amenities. Additionally, the seawall along the site has been restored, ensuring structural integrity and resilience against environmental factors.

McLaren Engineering Group provided a comprehensive suite of engineering services, contributing to every phase of the redevelopment:

Marine and Coastal Engineering

Our marine engineering team evaluated and developed repair plans for the granite stone-faced seawall and conducted underwater and topside investigations of the pier. We also designed localized repairs and a full deck replacement to ensure structural integrity and resilience, coordinating with NYCDEC and USACE for environmental and regulatory compliance.

Structural Engineering

In the beginning of the project, McLaren performed a structural inspection of the warehouse building. Later on the structural team transformed an industrial shed into a pavilion and shade structure, involving significant demolition and reinforcement for new loads. Additionally, we engineered temporary athletic facilities on the pier and designed a 1,000-square-foot restroom building with a steel-framed roof and reinforced masonry shear walls.

Civil Engineering

Our civil engineers collaborated with landscape architects on demolition, layout, drainage, utility, and grading plans for the upland park. We designed park upgrades, including drainage, sediment control, utilities, and traffic control, and managed permits for water and sewer connections. Additionally, we developed conceptual designs and construction documents for temporary athletic facilities on the pier.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical services included foundation design for playground retaining walls and solar light posts. Across the park, we supervised field investigations for the new restroom building’s foundation, providing recommendations based on our findings and accommodating a green roof system.

Collaborative Urban Renewal: Pier 42's Transformation into a Recreational Waterfront Hub

This project was executed in partnership with the NYC Department of Economic Development, NYC Parks & Recreation Department, and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. McLaren’s engineering expertise, combined with the efforts of Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, NYCEDC, NYC Parks, and NYCDDC, has created a space that provides continuous recreational waterfront access to the Lower East Side. The new park not only offers enhanced green space and amenities, but also connects to the Manhattan Greenway and East River Waterfront Esplanade, linking the neighborhood to a broader network of urban green spaces.

The redevelopment of Pier 42 is a testament to the power of thoughtful engineering and community collaboration, and now stands as a beacon of urban renewal and a vital recreational resource for residents and visitors alike.