The first project of its kind to convert an elevated highway ramp into an ADA-compliant linear park

At a Glance

  • 50K

    Square Feet Impervious Reduction

  • $10M

    Construction Value

Location
Albany, New York
Offices
Client
  • Capitalize Albany Corporation
Award
ACEC New York Diamond Award, 2020
CTASLA Professional Awards Honor Award, Landscape Planning & Analysis, 2020
American Society of Landscape Architects, New York, Award of Merit, 2020

Albany Skyway

Connecting downtown and the Arbor Hill and Warehouse District neighborhoods to the Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail and the Hudson River, the Albany Skyway addresses the community’s desire for greater access to open space, existing parks, and the waterfront.  How was this accomplished? By transforming a highway ramp into a linear park.

Our design required extensive analyses, detailed design, and an interdisciplinary team. Every facet of the new park is accessible and constructed with long-term maintenance in mind. The work of our landscape architects, structural engineers, traffic engineers, electrical engineers, civil engineers, and security experts was critical, as was coordination with utility providers and neighboring property owners. Community engagement through placemaking built excitement for the Skyway and integrated local context in the programming and design of the space.

The vibrant linear park provides space for social gatherings, festivals, and other events. But more than that, it introduces a more walkable downtown and a civic destination that is unique to the City of Albany.

Image Credit: Kate Glicksberg (images 3 and 6).

At a Glance

  • 50K

    Square Feet Impervious Reduction

  • $10M

    Construction Value

Location
Albany, New York
Offices
Client
  • Capitalize Albany Corporation
Award
ACEC New York Diamond Award, 2020
CTASLA Professional Awards Honor Award, Landscape Planning & Analysis, 2020
American Society of Landscape Architects, New York, Award of Merit, 2020

Converting an underused Interstate ramp into a city park

Learn how this award-winning, first-of-its kind project came to life, transforming an aging piece of infrastructure and reconnecting downtown Albany to its waterfront.