Malt Drive Park Opens Along Newtown Creek Waterfront in Hunter’s Point South, Queens

This week Malt Drive Park opened to the public, extending East River waterfront access in Long Island City, Queens. Developed by TF Cornerstone and designed by SCAPE Landscape Architecture, the park along Newtown Creek is named for the former beer distribution center that once occupied the site.

Site Plan of Malt Drive Park. Courtesy of SCAPE

The park’s sculpted topography bridges different elevations. Courtesy of SCAPE & Ty Cole

Paths wind through a lush living environment, guiding visitors to a play structure at the center of the park. Courtesy of SCAPE & Ty Cole

The park is adjacent to the TF Cornerstone’s residential complex which includes two buildings and three towers spanning 1.43 million square feet. It is TFC’s ninth residential waterfront project to rise in the Hunter’s Point South neighborhood. The south building, 2-20 Malt Drive, is open for leasing and consists of 575 apartments, 173 of which will be offered through the affordable housing lottery. The north building at 2-21 Malt Drive, the North building, will launch leasing later this year and will include 811 apartments, 244 of which will be offered through the affordable housing lottery.

“We’re so excited to open Malt Drive Park to the public and expand waterfront access for the community,” said Kate Orff, SCAPE founding principal. “The park embraces the water’s edge, extending the network of parks along the East River in Queens all the way around to this signature site on Newtown Creek. It welcomes everyone to explore its winding paths, with spaces for gathering, play, and quiet moments.”

Moments at the water’s edge are possible because of the park’s sloped design. Courtesy of SCAPE & Ty Cole

The park extends the transformation of public space along the Queens riverfront into the mouth of Newtown Creek. Courtesy of SCAPE & Ty Cole

Stones are artfully placed throughout the park. Courtesy of SCAPE & Ty Cole

The park expands public space from the adjacent Hunter’s Point South Park by three and a half acres and extends public access along the shoreline by approximately 700 feet. It connects to Malt Drive, 2nd Street, and 54th Avenue with sidewalks and meandering paths, and seating areas throughout the park offer space to stay and gather. Components of Malt Drive Park include an open lawn with wide views of the waterfront, a dog run, a civic grove, and social seating and play structures. The ground floor of the residential complex will hold restaurants and retail.

Malt Drive Park gradually slopes down toward Newtown Creek, reducing risk to buildings while ensuring that visitors can still experience the ecology of the water’s edge. Courtesy of SCAPE & Ty Cole

At 56th Avenue, the park opens up to a large recreation lawn. At the western end of the park, an eco-cove with a concrete block mattress creates marine habitat. Courtesy of SCAPE & Ty Cole

Through its sculpted topography, Malt Drive Park was built to mitigate flood risk. The park is at higher elevations at building entries and gradually slopes down toward Newtown Creek. Design elements were added to encourage habitat growth, such as native plantings that include bald cypress, swamp white oaks, American hornbeam, and red maples. A concrete block mattress was installed at the floor of Newtown Creek at the western end of the park to stabilize the shoreline and creates marine habitat.

A grand opening block party celebrating the park opening will be held November 16 from 1 to 4pm.

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