HR&A is conducting a comprehensive planning and market feasibility study of the Harbor District, a group of nine existing and planned recreational sites in Upper New York Harbor.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), on behalf of the Harbor District Advisory Board, (HDAB), commissioned HR&A to conduct a comprehensive planning and market feasibility study of the Harbor District, a group of nine existing and planned recreational sites in Upper New York Harbor. The sites are: Atlantic Basin, Battery/Castle Clinton, Battery Park City, Brooklyn Bridge Park, East River Esplanade, Governors Island, Hudson River Park (Segments 2-4), the Statue of Liberty Monument and Ellis Island, and Liberty State Park. 

Through a series of planning sessions, workshops, site visits and interviews, HR&A worked closely with the HDAB to develop a vision for the Harbor District as New York’s water recreation district, where nine sites with distinct identities form a single destination, and the experience is all about being on the water and at the water’s edge. The District would be tied together by a water transportation system, which connects the sites and appeals to visitors as an experience in itself. All of the recreation areas would capitalize on world-renowned views and offer a cohesive mix of recreational, cultural and educational programming that celebrates the urban waterfront.

The Harbor District will now enter an implementation phase based on recommendations in HR&A’s final report, which will focus on planning and coordinating new waterborne transportation and recreational assets to boost visitation to the Harbor District and make it a truly unique New York destination.