Bade Stageberg Cox is excited to team with Foster + Partners on a new boathouse and community learning center for Row New York in Sherman Creek Park on the Harlem River. The new 16,000 square-foot boathouse will transform this stretch of the riverfront in northern Manhattan, offering access to the community and allowing the organization to dramatically expand its reach to public school students in NYC.

The building’s design pays homage to the history of the river, referencing common early 20th century timber boathouses with a simple rectilinear wood structure. A large folding timber canopy sails over the structure, cantilevering over the plaza and terrace to provide shelter from the sun.

The lower level contains storage for rowing boats and is designed to withstand severe flooding events. The upper level features a large multi-purpose hall, changing rooms and classrooms for after school programs, as well as an expansive terrace overlooking the river. The boathouse will be fully accessible, allowing the organization to accommodate its adaptive rowing program, which serves teenagers and adults with disabilities. The five boat bays, fitness facilities, and state-of-the-art classrooms, will provide an integrated space with a place for gatherings and social activities for the wider community.

Founded on the belief that the skills learned in rowing are essential to the development of well-rounded individuals, Row New York offers a competitive rowing and academic success program to students from throughout New York City. The majority of its programs serve low-income New Yorkers.

Images: Courtesy Row New York / Copyright Foster + Partners

PROJECT TEAM:

Timothy Bade, Jane Stageberg, Martin Cox, Saumon Oboudiyat, Patrick Burke

Boathouse Siting

Boathouse entry along Marginal Way

Site Plan