Waterfront Gateway Design Competition Enters Final Phase

Written By: Talk of the Sound News

Posted on The City of New Rochelle web site: October 23, 2013

Waterfront Gateway Design Competition Enters Final Phase.

The innovative design competition to re-imagine New Rochelle’s Echo Bay waterfront area has entered its final phase with the selection of four semi-finalists. The architectural designs (see list below) will be on display on the first floor at City Hall beginning on October 24th and will be available for viewing through November 15th during business hours, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Launched this past June in partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper, the three-part Waterfront Gateway Design Competition focuses on the development of a 2.92 acre plot overlooking Long Island Sound’s Echo Bay, currently home to a former naval armory. In all, 28 transformative design submissions were received for Phase I, which were then reviewed and analyzed through blind process by a distinguished panel comprised of industry professionals, local residents, and a representative of the veteran community. Phase II narrowed the submissions to twelve proposals. With the selection of four semi-finalists, the final phase of the competition has begun. The semi-finalists are as follows:

• Archi-Techtonics
• CDR Studio
• Hariri & Hariri Architects
• SHoP Architects

The proposals were reviewed and judged according to six basic principles:

1. Encourage redevelopment of this unique property and highlight its distinctive waterfront features and the structural elements of its significant buildings;
2. Activate a currently underutilized site for the benefit of the public’s enjoyment;
3. Complement and enhance the ongoing revitalization of the New Rochelle shoreline;
4. Honor the site’s heritage;
5. Exhibit architectural excellence; and
6. Provide development feasibility.

“The proposals are unique and dynamic, each offering a glimpse into a wonderful future for this significant site,” said Development Commissioner Luiz Aragon. “We invite the public to come to City Hall, and view them firsthand. Leave a comment in the Suggestion Box, we welcome your input.”

Detailed information about the competition can be found at:

http://www.newrochellecompetition.archpaper.com/

The winner will be announced in December.

One thought on “Waterfront Gateway Design Competition Enters Final Phase”

  1. Waterfront Gateway Design Competition can’t be forgotten about!!
    Reminder!

    The innovative design competition to re-imagine New Rochelle’s Echo Bay waterfront area has entered its final phase with the selection of four semi-finalists. The architectural designs (see list below) will be on display on the first floor at City Hall beginning on October 24th and will be available for viewing through November 15th during business hours, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The competition seeks architectural design ideas and a workable development program for a historic military armory, its 2.92 acre site and potentially three adjacent land parcels in the City of New Rochelle, New York on Long Island Sound’s Echo Bay.

    http://www.newrochellecompetition.archpaper.com/index.php/competition/about_competition

    I have been down to City Hall and there are some very interesting designs and concepts submitted by the following four finalists. The finalist project teams proceeding to Phase two of the design competition must include at least one licensed architect and a developer partner.

    • Archi-Techtonics
    • CDR Studio
    • Hariri & Hariri Architects
    • SHoP Architects

    I will not give my opinion at this time. However, I urge as many people as possible to get down to city hall to review them, judge them and finally make you opinions known by filling out the comment cards and submitting them in the Suggestion Box because the city welcomes your input. If you don’t do or say something, than you can’t do or say anything if the plan doesn’t go the way you think it should. Look at what is proposed and contribute rather than just complain. Every complaint should have substance to it, have a solution or opinion to support your suggestion and gives it more credibility.

    Remember, viewing and comments go through November 15th So submit your suggestions and take the time to attend the next Citizens To Be Heard on Tuesday, November 12.

    City Council COW Meeting, Public Hearing & Citizens To Be Heard
    Tuesday, November 12
    Date: November 12
    Time: 3:45 PM - 9:00 PM

    Full agenda is not posted yet:
    Public Hearings and Citizens To Be Heard
    Time: 7:30 Pm Public Hearings
    Followed by Citizens To Be Heard

    PS: If only the City of New Rochelle would give up on Forest City and used this process for the Echo Bay/City Yard Area Project submit for the entire area again. The ideas and concepts would probably be amazing!

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