Construction has resumed in full swing at Pier 55, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, on New York’s Hudson River. The work was stalled in March 2017 when the primary backer Barry Diller officially abandoned the scheme due to rising costs. However, it resumed following negotiations between Diller, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the civic organization City Club.Thomas Heatherwick designed the $170 million project as “a lush undulating landscape, raised atop 300 mushroom-shaped concrete columns placed 186 feet off of the Hudson River shoreline,” quoted ArchDaily. The structure is designed to guard the city against storms. The initial plans envisioned the space to function as an outdoor performance venue as well as a marine sanctuary for striped bass. According to the design, Pier 55 was to feature an 800-seat amphitheater connected to the New York City shoreline via two dock-like pathways. The two walkways have been laid, as revealed in the recent photographs taken by CityReality.The preparatory work was underway in March last year before the ruling from the United States District Court judge for an intense wildlife impact review. Barry Diller subsequently abandoned the scheme as the cost was soaring to $250 million and due to unforeseen environmental concerns. The work resumed following mediations and a $50 million pledge by Andrew Cuomo, according to ArchDaily.Pier 55 is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020. http://www.blouinartinfo.com/                                      Founder: Louise Blouin   Read more