W worked with the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to design the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway‘s streetscape and infrastructure. The project was chosen by the NYC Public Design Commission (PDC) to receive an Award for Excellence in Design. You can read the press release by DDC here covering the award-winning public projects they are working on across the five boroughs. Construction on Downtown Far Rockaway began last year and should be complete in 2022.

Covering the areas around Central Avenue, Mott Avenue, Beach 19th Street, Beach 20th Street, Beach 21st Street and Beach 22nd Street, it signifies a focus on environmental sustainability and resiliency in the wake of extreme weather events. The overarching goal of the design is to reinforce Mott Avenue as a ‘village main street’ that connects to existing neighborhood assets and recent public improvement projects, such as the new Far Rockaway Library.

Incorporating various Vision Zero strategies, the design features a more inviting pedestrian experience and employs sustainable, energy-efficient and visually appealing elements such as varied street trees with connected tree beds and permeable pavers. The scope includes the full reconstruction of streets and sidewalks, a new plaza, public open spaces, wayfinding signs and the installation of new storm and sanitary sewers throughout the area.