McLaren Engineering Group provided marine engineering services to facilitate the industrial open space redevelopment of the former Domino Sugar Refinery site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, by designing the reconstruction of the existing platform and bulkhead for this WEDG certified project. Proposed changes at the historic site included construction of several high-rise residential and commercial buildings and the addition of five acres of green open space. This area will eventually incorporate revitalized sugar silos, gantry cranes and the refinery building to preserve its history. The existing site consisted of timber pile-supported wharf, extending approximately 1,250 feet along the East River. A historic bulkhead extends along the entire length of the wharf and is comprised of several segments of differing construction.
In the context of the Domino Park Redevelopment project, McLaren assumed the role of lead designer for the comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of various marine structures. This encompassed the bulkhead, relieving platform, quay wall, foundation systems, concrete footings, piles, retaining walls, and piers, all within the scope of a five-acre park. In addition to their design expertise, the team contributed resiliency studies, the use of sustainable materials such as Recycled Plastic Lumber (RPL), and careful construction sequencing.
McLaren’s assessment revealed the need to demolish and rebuild the existing platform, while allowing for the repair of sections of the historic bulkhead. Notably, McLaren introduced an innovative precast concrete gravity system into the design, resulting in substantial cost savings for the project owner. This newly designed platform now serves as a foundation for a public park, seamlessly integrated into the broader upland development.
The project also involved the evaluation of the timber piles and bulkhead condition by McLaren’s PE-Divers, who proposed a range of design alternatives complete with cost estimates. Ultimately, it was determined that the complete demolition and reconstruction of the platform were necessary, while sections of the existing bulkhead could be effectively repaired. A notable challenge emerged in the form of a challenging-to-remove timber cribbing structure at the inshore section. In response, McLaren devised a creative solution involving the construction of a new precast concrete block wall atop the existing crib structure, particularly where the timber lay below the mudline.
McLaren spearheaded the intricate permit process, interfacing with city, state, and federal authorities and successfully obtaining the necessary NYC DSBS Waterfront Permits. Additionally, they executed a hydrographic survey of the area surrounding the existing platform, establishing mudline elevations that proved instrumental throughout the permitting process and the subsequent platform reconstruction.