SCENE FROM THE STREET

Excavation for New Tower at Clarkson Street

Text and Photo by Brian J. Pape, AIA.

Viewed from the new Google HQ on Houston Street, the excavation for the new 43-story condo tower is about two stories deep in the ground. This area was under water prior to landfilling as the city expanded north to Greenwich Village and piers were extended even further into the Hudson River on the other side of West Street. Pier 40 is seen on the left. Clarkson Street is at the far side. This block was previously the four-story end of St. John’s Railroad Terminal, which got separated from the main building that Google is now in. Reinforced concrete retaining walls are being prepared for the perimeter foundations and construction will continue for at least two more years.