Stantec provided engineering and landscape architecture design and services for the project, which will serve as a connection between Albany’s downtown, Arbor Hill and warehouse district neighborhoods and the Hudson River waterfront on behalf of client Capitalize Albany Corporation. The project was made possible by the Environmental Protection Fund from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The project, recognized in the Studies, Research and Consulting Engineering Services award category, will repurpose a half-mile portion of an underutilized elevated interchange ramp along I-787 to create a multi-modal linear park, with a landscaped promenade, bike route, event spaces and foot path. The conversion of this link is informed by the Impact Downtown Albany strategic plan and the Corning Waterfront Park Master Plan (completed by Stantec), as well as the City of Albany’s comprehensive plan, which all show demand and economic need for increased connections between downtown and the waterfront.
“Recognition for this project by ACEC New York is a testament to the impact of community engagement, for this unique transformation has grown out of public outreach and interactions with stakeholders,” said Gary Sorge, Stantec Vice President for Community Development and project Principal. “Stantec is committed to enhancing our communities by repurposing infrastructure to better meet today’s needs.”
“As someone who grew up in Albany and still resides in the Capital Region, it is professionally satisfying to lead this transformative project for the City of Albany,” added Robert Cartwright, Stantec Project Manager and ACEC New York Eastern Region Vice Chair. “I join my neighbors in their excitement in watching this project come to life.”
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The completed feasibility study has readied the project to move forward with detailed construction-ready drawings. Construction will begin in 2020. With Governor Cuomo’s support and more than $10 million invested by New York State, the project is able to move forward by decommissioning the ramp. New York State’s investment will enhance the park with amenities that will maximize the usage and impact of this new, transformational asset.
An interdisciplinary team at Stantec led the project’s first phase, which launched in 2018 with a public input stage. The team’s scope of work included a structure assessment and feasibility study, traffic impact study, park concept design, public engagement and preliminary design, among other related activities.
The Engineering Excellence Awards are presented to projects that encompass both the public and private sector in the following categories: studies, research and consulting services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; energy; industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities; and special projects. The top-rated Diamond award that is designed and built entirely within New York State will earn the Empire Award, which will be announced during the Gala in April.
