In the exhibition, Provocations: The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio at Cooper Hewitt in June, 2015, along with a vast array of Heatherwick’s unique design concepts and projects, New Yorkers got a sneak-peek of Heatherwick’s Hudson River project Pier55, now known as Little Island. At the time, the project seemed not only far-off in our future, but fraught with problems from financial to environmental. Now completed, Little Island is scheduled to open on May 21, 2021. Hours will be from 6am to 1am, at present with a timed entry to allow for safe distancing. Check out some great pictures of Little Island.
We were at that Cooper Hewitt exhibition in 2015, and reviewed our photographs of the images that are now brought to life this next year. Below are a few photos from this exhibition ~ architectural models and large-scale renderings for Pier55/Little Island, a public park and performance space currently being constructed and jetting out 186 feet from the edge of Manhattan into the Hudson River.
There is a special historic significance to this location. In April, 1912, the survivors of the Titanic were brought ashore at Cunards Pier 54, which will be replaced by Heatherwick’s Studio Design & Architecture ~ Pier55, a 2.7 acre park and performance space. The remaining steel structure of the historic Cunard Pier 54 building will be preserved as the gateway to one of the two paths leading to Pier55.
It should be mentioned that Pier55/Little Island, originally proposed by media mogul Barry Diller and Hudson River Park Trust (2014), and almost derailed, will continue to move forward through a deal brokered by Governor Andrew Cuomo, who pledged $50 million, with a matching investment from Bill De Blasio and the City of New York.
Rising 62 feet at its southwest corner, it will be above all estimates for a hurricane storm surge. Pier55/Little Island will include educational programming with in-school learning opportunities.
More than 100 different species of indigenous trees and plants suited to the harsh extremes of the New York climate have been identified in an intricate and massive plan by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects (MNLA), inspired by the diverse landscape of Acadia National Park in Maine.
The amphitheater will hold music, dance, theatre, pubic art and community events, with an outdoor theatre for over 700 people and a smaller performance space for 200. there will also be a main space for 3,500 with many pathways and viewing platforms. It is expected to have 250 events each season beginning in 2021.
Pier55/Little Island will be located in Hudson River Park near West 13th Street, with entrances on 13th and 14th Streets by way of an elevated walkway. The $250 million project has an anticipated opening date of Fall, 2020, with first performance to debut in 2021. It will be managed by Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT). Additional news on Dezeen.com.
Below are images taken from The High Line ~ April 6, 2019.
Google will be occupying Pier 57 with a 250,000 square foot space, and proposed additional 70,000 square feet of offices plus 50,000 square feet of community-based space which could include public outdoor space for educational programs and cultural events, and a rooftop restaurant. The Pier may even have a landing for ferry service. Pier 52 is scheduled to have a rocky shoreline beach and recreational boating area.
Little Island at Pier 55 is located on the West Side Highway between 13th and 14th Streets in Hudson River Park. While you’re there, check out artist David Hammons permanent installation, Day’s End, also in Hudson River Park, near Pier 52.