Arcadis Advances NYC’s First Progressive Design-Build Resiliency Project

Arcadis has been awarded the construction phase services contract for the Battery Park City Resiliency Project (BPCR), marking a major milestone for New York City’s first large-scale Progressive Design-Build initiative. The award transitions the project from planning and design into full-scale construction on one of the nation’s most ambitious urban climate resiliency efforts.

Commissioned by the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA), the approximately $1.7 billion project is designed to protect Lower Manhattan’s waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods from rising sea levels, storm surge, and extreme rainfall. In addition to strengthening flood protection, the initiative will enhance public access to the waterfront and expand green and recreational spaces along the Hudson River.

Led by the Turner Construction Company–SPC Construction Co. LLC joint venture, the multidisciplinary team includes Arcadis, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), and SCAPE Landscape Architecture. Together, they will deliver an integrated coastal flood risk management system extending from First Place north to North Moore Street and east to Greenwich Street. The scope includes roughly 1.5 miles of flood walls and deployable barriers, new drainage infrastructure such as a pump station and rain gardens, and the creation of new open and green spaces.

“Arcadis is honored to continue our partnership with the Battery Park City Authority, Turner SPC, and all project partners as we move from design to delivery. This next phase brings our shared vision for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable Battery Park City to life. Together, we are setting a new model for climate-resilient infrastructure in dense, urban environments.”

Arcadis has served as the project’s lead design and engineering consultant since its inception and will continue to play a central role during construction. Responsibilities include engineering oversight, design compliance, and technical support to ensure the flood protection system functions as a fully integrated solution.

The BPCR incorporates multiple layers of protection by combining flood barriers, upgraded drainage systems, and raised landscapes into a continuous resiliency network designed to adapt to future sea level rise. Beyond flood mitigation, the project will improve waterfront connectivity, expand green space, and support biodiversity through native plantings and habitat restoration. Community engagement and agency coordination were integral to shaping a design aligned with Battery Park City’s sustainability, accessibility, and public space goals.

“The Turner Construction/SPC Joint Venture received exceptional resiliency design expertise from Arcadis to reach this critical milestone. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we embark on construction of the North/West Battery Park City Resiliency Project for the Battery Park City Authority.”

The BPCR represents the third major resiliency initiative undertaken by BPCA since Superstorm Sandy, building on earlier projects including the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project and the Ball Fields & Community Center Project. Together, these efforts form a comprehensive coastal protection strategy for Lower Manhattan.

“Battery Park City's progressive approach to resiliency infrastructure demonstrates what's possible when collaboration, transparency, and innovation converge. We're proud to partner with Arcadis, Turner SPC, and our design partners, to make Lower Manhattan a global model of urban resilience.”

As construction moves forward, the project is expected to serve as a benchmark for future climate-adaptive infrastructure in dense urban environments, demonstrating how integrated design, engineering innovation, and public-private collaboration can protect communities while enhancing quality of life.

Originally reported by Arcadis in KTLA.