Revitalizing Historic Battery Park
The Battery SeaGlass Carousel project entails the new construction of an aquatically themed children-of-all-ages ride as part of the City’s bold master plan to revitalize historic Battery Park to its original splendor. The Battery Conservancy designed the park’s interior to reflect its rich history and to create a light source, the new carousel, in a previously darkened landscape. SeaGlass represents the history of the site, New York City's first aquarium from 1896 to 1941. Our firm was selected for our experience with erecting high-end glass-enclosed structures that are just as much buildings as they are works of art, which is what SeaGlass will ultimately become.
The carousel ride recalls the shape of a nautilus shell, through a spiraling pavilion of glass and steel. A ride-the-waves turntable will support approximately two dozen nine-foot by nine-foot iridescent fish that are lit with fiber optic and LED lights. The pavilion structure consists of 67 individually sized, illuminated glass panels lit to simulate an underwater experience. An oceanic soundtrack completes the experience while images of marine life are projected inside the pavilion as figures move to emulate fish swimming in the sea.
Overcoming Challenges
Keeping the park open throughout construction is a key project requirement and a challenge as well. To resolve this, the team minimized the amount of laydown space for construction materials and utilized just one construction entrance and exit. Protective fencing, signage and wayfinding ensured the safety of visitors.
Another concern was the foundations proximity to the New York City subway—a mere 10 feet from an active line. Our team worked closely with the MTA to ensure subway service is not interrupted and that foundation work does not affect subway access or operation.
