6th Street Embankment Park
Area:
220,000 SF
Location:
Jersey City, NJ
Project Status:
/
Project Type:
Concept Design
The project for the transformation of the former rail Embankment in Jersey City into an Eco-Park is rooted in a deep appreciation for both its historical significance and its potential for revitalization. Built between 1901 and 1905, the stone structure spans six blocks and once carried seven rail lines of the Harsimus Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. After freight use ceased in 1999, the site has remained an underutilized space in an area already lacking green spaces.
The park's integration of Arts-Line seeks to blend nature with culture, providing an exciting and inviting environment for residents and visitors alike. It will be a place that fosters creativity, encourages social interaction, and enhances the city's cultural life. By offering fun, open spaces that engage the community, the Eco-Park aims to serve as a transformative space, breathing new life into a historic structure and providing a crucial green sanctuary within the city.
The design strategy for the Eco-Park follows a simple yet thoughtful approach encapsulated in the principles of Preserve, Activate, and Program. The goal is to maintain the Embankment's natural green space while opening it up for sensitive, community-focused reuse. This approach aims to offer Jersey City residents a much-needed public green space, one that connects them to nature while celebrating the area's rich history.
Preserve: The design respects the historical and environmental value of the site, maintaining the stone structure and its defining character while carefully integrating it into the new park. The green space is preserved and enhanced, becoming a crucial part of the city's landscape and its commitment to sustainability.
Activate: The Eco-Park will be a dynamic space, inviting people to interact with it in a variety of ways. It will offer a balance between active recreational areas and tranquil, contemplative spaces, encouraging both physical activity and relaxation.
Program: The park will not only serve as a green space but will also be programmed with various community-oriented activities. Arts-Line, as the design is called, infuses the natural landscape with cultural elements, creating spaces for art installations, performances, and events that celebrate the creative community of Jersey City.
