A collaborative effort from internationally known Architects, Landscape Architects, Scientists, Environmental Attorneys, Financial Analysts, Remediation Specialists, Lighting Designers, and Graphic Designers, has yielded a new kind of waterfront park for NYC. Nestled against an inlet is a series of ten oil tanks, located on the site of Charles Pratt’s historic Astral Oil Works. Pratt used the money from its sale to found his namesake school: The Pratt Institute, one of the earliest inclusive educational establishments, allowing students from all backgrounds.
Empty for half a century, Maker Park adaptively reuses the majestic tanks as Community Gardens, Performance Spaces, and Art Installations. Each unique, the tanks can house a picnic grove of birch trees and wildflowers, reflecting pools of water with hanging vines, theater which seats 250, and rocky landscapes and adventure playgrounds. The vision provides public green spaces, play areas, gardens and more – resilient ecological Inlet with native species and community boating, Community Maker Space, and the endless possibilities for the Tank Gardens.
Maker Park has received recognition and interest from both the design community and locals – the project was honored with the Award of Merit by the AIA New York and the team continues to work with community groups and city agencies to help make the vision a reality. The Pro-Bono team is comprised of: Architect: STUDIO V Architecture Jay Valgora Daniel Tappe Matt Horvath Liwei Wang Co-founders: Maker Park Karen Zabarsky Stacey Anderson Landscape Architect: Ken Smith Workshop Ken Smith Lighting Designer: Tillotson Lighting Associates Suzan Tillotson Environmental Attorney: Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C.
Michael Bogin Environmental Scientist: Capital Environmental Consultants Greg Fleischer Environmental Engineer & Remediation Specialist: Tenen Environmental Matthew Carroll Graphic Identity: Pentagram Luke Hayman Economic Analyst: BJH Advisors Kei Hayashi Model Maker: Kennedy Fabrications Artist Collaborator: James Andrew Scott Credits: - Maker Park - Co-Founder - Zac Waldman - Maker Park - Co-Founder - Stacey Anderson - Tenen Environmental - Environmental Engineer & Remediation Specialist - Matthew Carroll - BJH Advisors - Economic Analyst - Kei Hayashi - Capital Environmental Consultants - Environmental Scientist - Greg Fleischer - Artist - James Andrew Scott - Tillotson Lighting Associates - Lighting Designer - Suzan Tillotson - Pentagram - Graphic Design - Luke Hayman - Sive, Paget & Riesel PC - Environmental Attorney - Michael Bogin - Maker Park - Co-Founder - Karen Zabarsky