New sections of the East River esplanade open in spring and summer 2013

The pilot section of the renovated East River Waterfront esplanade has added much-needed open and recreational space to the Financial District, and now the city Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is nearing completion of its next section in time for spring. By approximately late March, the area from the Battery Maritime Building (BMB) north to Pier 11/Old Slip (called "Package 2") will open with new pavers, planters, and other esplanade features.

EDC Senior Project Manager Julieanne Herskowitz shared East River project updates with the Community Board 1 this month, explaining how the new section will tie into the Maiden Lane pilot area that opened in mid-2011. The esplanade's hexagonal pavers will replace the sidewalk north of the BMB, with a steel fence that matches the waterfront's new design and safely separates pedestrians from traffic heading up South Street.

The two-story Pier 15 opened in late 2011, and the tenant, Merchants Hospitality, currently is fitting out the cafe on its lower level in time for a May 2013 opening. Just west of Pier 15 and under the FDR Drive is the recently completed dog play area, and beside it is the Maiden Lane pavilion where a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating is expected to open by this summer. The small John Street service building also will open soon, housing public restrooms and maintenance equipment.

Meanwhile, Package 3 work is underway between Maiden Lane and Pier 35 (approximately at Jefferson Street). Substructure work on the pier itself was recently completed, and the "EcoPark" atop it will feature an innovative eco-habitat and plantings. The esplanade along and under the FDR Drive will get a makeover to match the waterfront areas further south -- with bocce, petanque, and basketball courts; an exercise area; and East River "lookouts" to open in late 2013.

Between Piers 15 and 17, final esplanade repaving and planting work will be complete approximately late May 2013.

The originally planned water-main replacement along South Street, between Pike Slip and Pier 35, is now on hold with a new schedule yet to be announced.

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