Seagirt Avenue Development-Rockaways

Queens, NY

This proposed mixed-use development with affordable housing is located adjacent to the Seagirt Avenue Tidal Wetlands, and a block landward of Rockaway Beach, at the East Rockaway Inlet and Reynolds Channel.  In close consultation with NYC DCP and NYS DEC, the design team developed plans that integrate residential and community uses, public access, commercial, and event spaces. The landscape architectural scope will provide a planted roof terrace, a series of rear courtyards, a playground, and a public plaza with a pavilion, sculptural and social seating, lush layers of plantings, parking, and public art. Planted strategies will also be deployed to screen an interior parking lot located within the new development. Site design is organized around an intricate balance of pedestrian and vehicular circulation serving a range of shared uses for the development and community. An elevated walkway is proposed to traverse the tidal wetland existing east of the site, allowing for minimal site disturbance within this protected ecological habitat, but providing a much-needed connection across the new development.