In recent years, New York City’s urban landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, with developer-owned parks emerging as catalysts for change in the outer boroughs.
These green spaces, born from significant private investments, are not merely beautifying neglected areas but are also serving as cornerstones for vibrant new neighbourhoods.
This trend marks a shift from the traditional notion of parkside living being exclusive to Manhattan’s Central Park, as innovative developers bring the luxury of green spaces to Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens.
The concept of developer owned parks is a new model of urban development. These spaces are the result of a partnership between real estate developers and the communities they serve. By investing in public parks developers are not only enhancing their residential and commercial projects but also the neighborhood.
These parks serve multiple purposes. They provide much needed recreational space in densely populated areas, create community and often become the center of new residential and commercial nodes.
The integration of these green spaces into larger projects is a holistic approach to urban planning where the line between private investment and public benefit is getting blurry.
Domino Park stands as a shining example of how developer-driven initiatives can breathe new life into historical industrial sites. Opened in 2018, this 5-acre park is the brainchild of Two Trees Management, a key player in the ongoing redevelopment of the former Domino Sugar Factory site.
Designed by the acclaimed Field Operations, Domino Park offers a diverse range of amenities set against the backdrop of stunning Manhattan skyline views. From its innovative playground to the dog run and sports courts, the park caters to a wide array of community needs.
Its design thoughtfully incorporates elements of the site’s industrial past, creating a unique aesthetic that pays homage to Williamsburg’s heritage.
The park’s impact extends far beyond its boundaries. It has become the anchor for a thriving micro-neighbourhood within Williamsburg. The surrounding area now boasts office spaces in The Refinery, over 3,000 residential units across developments like One South First and 325 Kent, and a burgeoning scene of world-class culinary and retail offerings.
The newest addition to this development, One Domino Square, designed by the renowned Annabelle Selldorf, further cements the area’s status as a desirable residential location.
This mixed-use development, offering both condominiums and rental units, exemplifies the trend of high-quality housing options gravitating towards these newly created green spaces.
September 2024 will mark another milestone in the Domino Park saga with the unveiling of Domino Square. This one-acre programmable park, also designed by Field Operations, is set to complement and expand upon the success of Domino Park.
Inspired by the concept of theatres-in-the-round, Domino Square features tiered seating that offers views of both the square’s centre and the Manhattan skyline. This innovative design caters to a variety of community needs, from hosting farmer’s markets and winter ice skating to providing a venue for local school graduations.
The creation of Domino Square demonstrates Two Trees Management’s commitment to continual improvement and community engagement. By responding to the demand for larger-scale community activations, they are ensuring that the Domino development remains a vibrant, evolving part of Williamsburg’s urban fabric.
In the South Bronx, Bankside Park represents a monumental shift in waterfront accessibility. Developed by Brookfield Properties, this newly opened public park and esplanade spans over an acre along the Harlem River.
Its significance cannot be overstated – for the first time in over a century, Mott Haven community members have direct access to their waterfront.
The park’s location on a former Brownfield site underscores the transformative power of thoughtful urban development. By reclaiming and repurposing this land, Brookfield Properties has not only created a beautiful public space but has also contributed to the environmental rehabilitation of the area.
Award-winning landscape design firm MPFP drew inspiration from the Harlem River itself in creating Bankside Park. The result is a natural waterfront landscape that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Undulating planting beds create nodes for both passive and active use, buffered by native plants and flowers.
The park’s amenities cater to a variety of preferences. Visitors can enjoy shade trees, open lawns, and wood-decked outlooks featuring chaise lounge chairs and café seating. Custom shade trellises provide comfortable spaces for relaxation, while the winding esplanade creates intimate pockets for park-goers to gather and enjoy river views in a garden-like setting.
Bankside Park is more than just a standalone green space; it’s a crucial component of one of the largest private investments in Bronx history. The park is central to the larger Bankside project, a $950 million, 4.3-acre mixed-use development that includes 1,379 apartments.
Notably, 30 percent of these units are rent-stabilised through the City’s Affordable New York programme, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive development.
The creation of Bankside Park represents a critical first step in realising a broader vision for the South Bronx waterfront. As one of the initial links in creating a contiguous waterfront access plan for the borough, it sets a high standard for future developments and public spaces in the area.
Image sourced from “Developer-Owned Parks Reshape NYC’s Outer Boroughs” on salonprivemag.com
Currently under construction, the Halletts Point Esplanade in Astoria, Queens, is poised to become another transformative developer-owned park. Spearheaded by The Durst Organization, this park is an integral part of the ambitious Halletts Point development, which aims to bring over 1,000 new apartments to the area.
The esplanade’s primary goal is to unlock public access to a stretch of waterfront that has long been inaccessible. This initiative aligns with a broader trend in New York City’s urban development: the reclamation and revitalisation of waterfront areas for public use.
The Halletts Point development exemplifies how parks can serve as anchors for residential hubs. The nearby 20 and 30 Halletts Point represent the second major phase of development on the peninsula’s waterfront, following the completion of 10 Halletts Point in 2019.
This phased approach to development allows for the gradual integration of new residential spaces with public amenities. As each component of the project comes to fruition, it contributes to the overall transformation of the neighbourhood, creating a symbiotic relationship between the park, the residences, and the community at large.
The emergence of developer-owned parks in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens is reshaping perceptions of outer borough living. These green spaces are elevating the quality of life in areas that were once overlooked, making them increasingly attractive to both residents and businesses.
By providing access to high-quality public spaces, these developments are fostering a sense of community and belonging. They’re not just creating places to live, but vibrant neighbourhoods where people can work, play, and connect with nature without leaving their local area.
The impact of these parks extends beyond their immediate surroundings. They serve as catalysts for economic growth, attracting new businesses and spurring job creation. The influx of residents and visitors to these areas supports local economies, from small businesses to larger commercial enterprises.
Moreover, these parks contribute to the social fabric of their neighbourhoods. They provide spaces for community events, foster social interactions, and promote physical activity and well-being. In densely populated urban areas, access to green spaces can significantly improve the quality of life and public health outcomes.
The success of developer-owned parks in New York City’s outer boroughs is setting a precedent for urban development across the United States and beyond. This model demonstrates how private investment can be leveraged to create public goods, fostering a win-win situation for developers, residents, and city authorities alike.
As more developers recognise the value of integrating high-quality parks into their projects, we can expect to see continued revitalisation across New York City’s outer boroughs. This trend is likely to inspire similar initiatives in other urban centres, potentially reshaping the way we approach city planning and development.
The rise of developer-owned parks in New York City’s outer boroughs marks a significant shift in urban development paradigms. Domino Park in Williamsburg, Bankside Park in the South Bronx, and the upcoming Halletts Point Esplanade in Astoria are more than just green spaces; they are transformative elements that are reshaping neighbourhoods and redefining urban living.
These parks demonstrate the power of thoughtful, community-oriented development. By serving as anchors for residential and commercial growth, they are driving the revitalisation of once-neglected areas. They provide much-needed access to nature and recreational spaces in dense urban environments, improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
As this trend continues to gain momentum, we can anticipate a greener, more vibrant future for New York City’s outer boroughs. The success of these developer-driven initiatives is likely to inspire similar projects across the city and beyond, potentially revolutionising the way we approach urban planning and development in the 21st century.
In the end, these parks stand as testaments to the potential of public-private partnerships in creating sustainable, liveable urban environments. They remind us that with vision, investment, and community engagement, it’s possible to transform industrial wastelands into thriving, green neighbourhoods that benefit all city dwellers.
The article was originally published by Salon Privé
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