A new unusual public space has appeared in New York City - it's the park island called Little Island, rising above the Hudson River. And it is located on 132 concrete column-cups that rest on the riverbed. Unusually, to say the least!
The construction of the park began back in 2016 but was immediately halted because the US District Court invalidated the issued permit for the construction project. However, in 2019, the project was revived, and now it has been completed. All of this cost the business owner Barry Diller and his designer wife Diane von Furstenberg $260 million.
The park covers an area of 10,000 square meters. Within this territory, there are three stages where approximately 500 events are already planned from June to September 2021.
The park was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, one of the most famous and talented British designers. Some of his most notable works include the art structure Vessel in the USA, the Museum of Contemporary African Art in South Africa, the Google campus in the USA, and much more.
Park Concept: Artificial Island
The idea of creating a new park emerged nearly 10 years ago, but it officially opened at the end of May 2021. Opponents of the project have been attempting to halt construction for many years in order to preserve the famous Pier 54 that previously occupied the site - the very pier where the survivors of the Titanic were brought in 1912.
At its peak popularity, Pier 54 served as a venue for concerts and other outdoor events, but in recent years, its condition had deteriorated significantly. Long abandoned and falling into disrepair, it had to be closed. To revive this iconic location, the park management sought the assistance of businessman Barry Diller. British designer Thomas Heatherwick was tasked with developing a unique concept for the artificial island. He envisioned the park's pedestrian paths and observation decks offering breathtaking views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Heatherwick recently designed the renowned structure - the Vessel - in the Hudson Yards complex.
The concept, proposed back in 2014, underwent minimal changes during the construction process. The whimsical supporting structure of the "Little Island" is based on 280 reinforced concrete piles ranging from 4.5 to 18.3 meters in height, anchored on the remnants of the wooden foundation of Pier 54 at the bottom of the Hudson.
The piles are topped with 132 concrete tulip-shaped cup platforms, with wide petals and long elegant legs. They support the park's platforms, creating a gradient, allowing the soil, lawns, and trees to be situated at varying heights on each section. Combined with the diverse shapes, sizes, and heights of the tulip-shaped cups, this creates an authentic undulating landscape for the park, resembling a floating leaf on the water from a distance.
Billionaire Barry Diller has announced that he will cover the park's maintenance costs, with the project being financed by the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation for the next 20 years. However, Diller expects the park to eventually secure other sources of funding and "set sail" independently. According to Diller's preliminary estimates, his expenses for the park will amount to approximately $380 million. Undoubtedly, this is the most generous gift ever received by New York City parks (and perhaps parks worldwide).
If you're wondering, "Who is Barry Diller?"
Here is his impressive resume:
1974 - 1984: Head of Paramount Pictures
1984 - 1992: Head of 20th Century Fox
2000s: Chairman of Expedia and InterActiveCorp (Tinder, Vimeo, HomeAdvisor, etc.)
Additionally, Barry is actively involved in producing Broadway shows.
As of 2021, Diller's net worth is estimated at $6 billion.
How to Get to Little Island Park
You can reach the park from the nearest subway stations, by taxi, or on foot.
Nearest subway stations:
Subway lines A, C, E, and L - 14th Street Station (intersection of 14th Street and 8th Avenue)
Subway lines 1, 2, and 3 - 14th Street Station (intersection of 14th Street and 7th Avenue)
Subway lines F and M - 14th Street Station (intersection of 14th Street and 7th Avenue)
From any of the aforementioned stations, you will need to walk towards the Hudson River.
WHERE IS LITTLE ISLAND PARK LOCATED
Exact address:
Little Island
Pier 55 at Hudson River Park Hudson River Greenway, NY 10014
