Row New York, a non-profit founded on the belief that the skills learned in rowing can help develop well-rounded individuals, is about to receive a new boathouse in Sherman Creek Park courtesy of Foster + Partners, in association with Bade Stageberg Cox (AOR).
The 1,600-sf boathouse will expand Row New York’s free and low-cost programs that teach young people in under-resourced communities the sport of competitive rowing while also assisting them with their education to help provide a path to college.
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Rendering courtesy Foster + Partners
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The boathouse will be a simple rectilinear structure made entirely from wood. A large plaza will sit in front of the building and a ramp will extend to both the upper and lower levels. The lower level will contain expanded storage for boats and be designed to withstand severe flooding.
The upper level will feature a large multipurpose hall, changing rooms, and classrooms for after school programs. A terrace on the building’s eastern edge provides views of the river and a latticed folding timber canopy will sit above the structure and cantilever over the plaza and terrace.
The boathouse site will become an integrated community space that uses rowing as a facilitator for other social activities such as an outdoor cinema to financial literacy classes.