New Rochelle Launches a Design Competition For Echo Bay

The City of New Rochelle has launched a competition to help re-imagine the waterfront and downtown communities in the area of Echo Bay. The entire Echo Bay project area consists of over 10 acres of City-owned land. The three-part Waterfront Gateway Design Competition launched on Thursday, June 20, according to the city's website, focuses on the development of approximately 3 acres at the edge of the downtown on Route 1. 

The competition seeks ideas for re-imagining the site, which is on a promontory overlooking  the bay, and is the location of the former naval Armory. 

The fate of the deteriorating Armory has been a topic of ongoing discussion. At a March public hearing, Jack Lutz, past commander of the Korean War veterans voiced concern for the Armory's fate on behalf of all veterans.  New Rochelle resident Ron Tocci of the Save the Armory Committee and his team proposed reusing the building as the Veterans Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. 

Development Commissioner Luiz Aragon explained in the city June 20th news post announcing the competition that the  goal is to activate the underutilized site, which is adjacent to residential neighborhoods, while at the same time honoring its heritage.

The competition announced on June 20th seeks creative and innovative proposals for the design and planning of the 3 acres that feature the armory,  as well as two adjacent parcels on Echo Bay site. A jury of architects, planners and public officials will selet the winning proposal.

Detailed information about the competition can be found at www.newrochellecompetition.archpaper.com. On-line registration closes August 5, 2013. The winner will be announced December 11, 2013.