Expensive, Levitating Park Is Coming to the Hudson River
Rendering by Pier 55
And you thought the Highline was ambitious: A new $130 million park that will be built on the Hudson River just got the approval of the Hudson River Park Trust yesterday. Yes, on the river. The new park, dubbed Pier 55, is backed by billionaire Barry Diller and his wife, queen of wrap dresses Diane von Furstenberg. It will feature an amphitheater for concerts, 2.7 acres of park, and, presumably, very steep edges.
Diller will not only contribute $113 million to the park’s construction, he’ll also maintain the park for the first 20 years. The park’s approval was contentious: According to DNA Info, Wednesday’s board meeting was interrupted by a man with the sign “Another NYC Real Estate Land Grab,” who suggested that the board change it’s name form Hudson River Park Trust to the Hudson River Real Estate Group. I, for one, welcome our billionaire greenspace overlords. More floating parks, fewer glass skyscrapers, please.
