Famed Architect Reveals Harlem River Boathouse For Nonprofit

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS-INWOOD, NY — Upper Manhattan-based nonprofit Row New York has revealed the design of its new Harlem River Boathouse that will house both its rowing and academic programs.

The new two-story boathouse located in Sherman Creek Park was designed by award-winning architect Norman Foster of the firm Foster + Partners at no cost to the nonprofit organization, according to a press release. The space will be fully-accessible, allowing Row New York to expand its programs to people with disabilities.

"In envisioning a design for a boathouse that will serve a diverse population and be a resource to the community at large, I wanted to create a building that was both functional and accessible, but also one that responded to the Hudson River’s long history as a busy transportation hub," Foster said in a statement.

Foster's timber design recalls the days of the early 20th century, "when the river dotted with many timber boathouses along its banks," according to a statement. The structure will also be shaded by a large folding timber canopy to protect people from the sun.

Row New York provides low-cost and free rowing instruction to children from low-income families in New York City. The organization believes that the skills learned in competitive rowing leads to the development of well-rounded people. The nonprofit also provides after-school academic programs.

Currently, the organization's rowing and academic programs are located in separate areas of Manhattan, but the new 1,600-square-foot boathouse will allow the nonprofit to consolidate its rowing and academic programs under one roof. The facility will also be used to store the organization's boats.

"We are thrilled with the designs for the new boathouse, which will allow all of our rowing and academic programming to be housed under one roof for the first time," Row New York Founder Amanda Krau said in a statement. "In addition to creating a welcoming space that is custom built to fit our needs, the new building will enable us to dramatically expand the number of people we serve, and will allow our participants with disabilities much easier access to the sport of rowing."