To improve coastal resilience and overhaul the decaying 2.7-mile structure, New York City is searching for a design team to manage the $1 billion reconstruction of Coney Island’s iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk. The city’s Economic Development Corporation and Department of Parks released a request for qualifications on Wednesday for a progressive design-build team to handle the multi-year project.
Request For Qualifications Launched For Coney Island Riegelmann Boardwalk Reconstruction
The city’s Economic Development Corporation and Department of Parks released a request for qualifications on Wednesday to find a progressive design-build team for the landmarked boardwalk. First announced in December, the project will span the 2.7-mile boardwalk from West 37th Street to Brighton 15th Street. Qualified teams must demonstrate experience delivering large-scale, complex waterfront infrastructure. The city will review submissions and issue a request for proposals to a shortlist of qualified teams this winter, with a final team selection expected in spring 2027.
To help prospective bidders understand the project requirements, the Economic Development Corporation will host an optional hybrid informational session on Friday, October 9, at 10 a.m. The session will take place on the 14th floor of One Liberty Plaza in the Financial District and online. Interested parties must RSVP by Wednesday, October 7, at 5 p.m.
Boardwalk Decay And The Limits Of Daily Maintenance
At 102 years old, the Riegelmann Boardwalk shows clear signs of structural deterioration driven by accumulated sand, water, and weeds that have rotted its wooden decking. Many sections feature uplifted decking and loose screws, forcing carpenters to perform daily maintenance. City officials found this approach unsustainable because ongoing repairs address only about 1 percent of the boardwalk.
Underneath the boardwalk, cracked support beams and concrete piles are visible to the public. Large gaps in many areas currently allow sand and water to flow freely into the surrounding neighborhood. The full reconstruction project will be carried out in multiple phases over several years to repair all piles, pile caps, and the decking system.
Did You Know? Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a five-block section of the Riegelmann Boardwalk was rebuilt using plastic and concrete, while the Parks department is currently reconstructing another three blocks between West 24th and West 27th Streets.
Flood Protection And Accessibility Upgrades Planned For Coney Island And Brighton Beach
The reconstruction incorporates vital flood-resilience measures designed to protect Coney Island and Brighton Beach from severe weather. These measures include raising certain sections of the boardwalk above current levels. The initiative also focuses heavily on accessibility improvements in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation and NYC Parks, converting outdated and non-code-compliant street-end entrances into ADA-compliant ramps and plazas.
Beyond the boardwalk deck itself, the project targets the renovation of more than a dozen buildings along the waterfront. These structures include lifeguard quarters, public bathrooms, shade pavilions, and a garage. The boardwalk overhaul complements a separate $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center, which will upgrade the ice-skating facility and introduce a new entrance and signage along the boardwalk.
Reconstructing the Coney Island Boardwalk and Utilities
What is the main goal of the Riegelmann Boardwalk project?
The project aims to completely reconstruct the 2.7-mile landmarked boardwalk, replace utilities and structural piles, elevate vulnerable sections for flood resilience, and upgrade accessibility and more than a dozen adjacent buildings.
How does the progressive design-build model work for this project?
Under this delivery model, the city selects a single team to handle both design and construction. This allows the design to evolve collaboratively with the city and the Coney Island community while refining costs and schedules as work advances.
When are the upcoming deadlines for interested design teams?
Interested participants can attend an optional hybrid informational session on Friday, October 9, at 10 a.m. at One Liberty Plaza or online, provided they RSVP by Wednesday, October 7, at 5 p.m.
After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a five-block portion was reconstructed utilizing concrete and plastic as part of earlier boardwalk repair attempts.
What specific design features do you think should be prioritized to protect the Coney Island coastline from future storms?
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