project title: Manresa Island
size: 125 Acre
landscape: SCAPE
architecture: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
location: Norwalk, Connecticut, United States
client: Manresa Osprey LLC
collaborators: Atelier Ten, Kohler Ronan, CCI, Tighe & Bond, E-Design Dynamics, AKRF, Directional
Logic, HR&A Advisors
Photos, Visualizations: © SCAPE
Originally, Manresa Island was home to the Manresa Institute, a retreat and recreation destination during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, in the 1950s, it was converted into a coal-fired power plant. With its decommissioning in 2012 following Hurricane Sandy, the area has begun to recover ecologically, showcasing birch forests and increased osprey populations. This revitalization sets the stage for the transformation into a public amenity that reconnects the community with its coastal heritage.
Landscape Restoration
The design for the park emphasizes ecological restoration and public access. New waterfront walking paths will encourage exploration and interaction with nature. The park will incorporate living shorelines, wetland restoration efforts, and tree canopies to mitigate extreme heat and flooding. These elements are essential for creating a resilient space that celebrates and protects the island’s biodiversity.
Manresa Island will feature a diverse array of outdoor spaces that promote engagement with local habitats. Highlights include a large green lawn, a public beach with views of the Long Island Sound and New York City, and pedestrian bridges for wildlife observation. The aquatic theme will be evident through outdoor thermal pools, a revitalized pier, and a boat launch, providing ample opportunities for water-based recreation.
Manresa Island is set to become a year-round destination for the public by 2030.
As part of SCAPE Landscape Architecture LLC, New York