Pier 79 West Midtown Ferry Terminal Development, NY, NY

As more and more urban waterfronts are being revitalized, engineers and architects are increasingly working together to develop exciting, functional spaces for public access in the challenging waterfront environment. This paper describes the highly challenging West Midtown Intermodal Ferry Terminal Project and illustrates the close collaboration between architect and waterfront engineer that is required to create welcoming and functional public spaces within the constraints of the urban waterfront. Since the capacity of the one and two slip terminal facilities throughout the City has not kept pace with the increasing ferry traffic, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is developing a major terminus at Pier 79 on the west side of Manhattan. The new West Midtown Intermodal Ferry Terminal will be a municipallY owned multi-user facility designed to accommodate a range of commuter vessels from short-haul ferries and water taxis to high-speed long distance craft. The new facility will consist of a 2,800 m² Terminal Building and an 11 m wide by 88 m long float with seven ferry slips. The building will have ticketing facilities, passenger waiting areas, a restaurant, concessions, and a control room.