NYC Department of Design and Construction photo

DDC Associate Commissioner Joseph G. Lione (second from left), who oversees coastal resiliency projects, received the National Recognition Award from ACEC on behalf of the agency in Washington D.C. on May 20, 2025.

Commissioner Thomas Foley of the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced that the first phase of East Side Coastal Resiliency in the area north of East 15th Street received a National Recognition Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) at its 2025 Engineering Excellence (EEA) Awards.

DDC received the honor during the National Recognition Award EEA Gala Dinner and Awards Program at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2025.

"The first section of the $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency project is a unique achievement that was completed ahead of schedule and $10 million under budget," said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. "Through this project we are protecting more than 110,000 Lower East Side residents from future flooding while providing beautiful parks and amenities for them to enjoy. DDC will continue to make communities safer through innovative, cool projects all over the city."

The first phase of East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) covers the area between East 15th Street and Asser Levy Playground at East 25th Street. The project revamped Murphy Brothers Playground on Avenue C with flood protection, including flood gates, a new dog run, ballfields and other amenities. The $163 million section was $10 million under its original projected budget and was completed two months ahead of schedule. Construction on the second phase is under way and anticipated to be completed by early-2027.

ESCR, a $1.45 billion project, will protect more than 110,000 Lower East Side residents from future storms and high tides and protect billions of dollars' worth of infrastructure and property in the area. ESCR includes raised parkland, floodwalls, berms and 18 swinging or sliding flood gates to create a continuous line of protection against sea level rise and the growing threat of stronger, more severe coastal storms worsened by climate change.

ESCR phase one received the Diamond Award in the ACEC New York 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards. It was one of 11 projects DDC was recognized for in that competition.

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