Situated within half a block of Manhattan’s East River, the Metropolitan Hospital requires nearly half a mile of flood protection systems as tall as 12 ft to safeguard against future 500-year storms and an estimated 3-ft increase in sea level rise and freeboard. Rather than building an obtrusive, intimidating barrier, the project team incorporated sustainable design and construction strategies to create a durable, environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing piece of urban infrastructure that also engages with the local community and provides amenities that enhance the public realm.

Photo courtesy Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Overcoming the initial challenges of abandoned utilities and structures during excavation, the team safely removed seven abandoned fuel oil tanks and other subsurface obstructions while also remediating contaminated soil to ensure a safe and health-conscious construction process. Because the hospital is founded on poorly conditioned soils, driving sheet piles for the 1,800-ft-long resilient flood wall required depths of up to 45 ft, with a hydraulic push method used along Second Avenue to protect an adjacent subway tunnel. Flexible flood gate systems, stored in compact cabinets integrated into the flood walls, will safeguard hospital access points. Seven precast stormwater detention tanks and three storm lift stations strategically installed around the hospital will collect excess stormwater, preventing backflow into the hospital and easing pressure on the city’s sewer system.