Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens CPSD

Project highlights

• Architects: Marvel Architects, Landscape Architects, Urban Designers, PLLC
• Owner: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
• Location: Staten Island, N.Y.

Founded in 1801 at the bequest of the New York pirate privateer Robert Richard Randall to care for “aged, decrepit, and worn out sailors,” Staten Island’s Snug Harbor now houses dozens of diverse organizations, including museums, a school, and stunning gardens. While a bright and remarkable New York institution and beloved touchstone for the community, Snug Harbor lacked a comprehensive vision, leaving its potential unfulfilled. The team, which eagerly embraced the role of stewards of the city-owned property, shaped a comprehensive capital project scope development (CPSD) masterplan to ensure its bright and sustainable future.

At the height of its former life, Snug Harbor was a holistic, independent community for the sailors who called it home. Its five original Greek revival buildings included residence dormitories, staff housing, a greenhouse, a morgue, open space for farming, and cultural facilities. Resources to maintain the campus eventually ran low, spurring a wave of demolitions and acquisition by the city. Since then, Snug Harbor has not had an implementable plan, leading to sporadic improvements and development. Leading a diverse assemblage of consultants, the project team researched intently and listened carefully to develop a comprehensive plan that charts a 15-year vision centered on improving the visitor experience, preserving Snug Harbor’s historic assets, and broadening earned income streams.

Activating Snug Harbor’s vacant architectural gems, which had previously proven challenging to maintain, was a critical component of the plan, and the team endeavored to amplify its historic features where possible. The site contains some of New York’s first landmark buildings, and the plan lays out strategies to enhance them through preservation or thoughtful contrast. Providing spatial order and clarity for the campus is another key recommendation that will allow the campus to feel like one cohesive destination. The plan highlights a new hierarchy of landscaped spaces and pathways that strengthen visual and physical connections while also presenting new programming opportunities in the form of an events lawn, amphitheater, and playgrounds. Additionally, a more focused arboretum approach to Snug Harbor’s horticultural management will provide unique opportunities for educational integration.

In providing a clear vision for Snug Harbor’s immediate future, the team has laid a foundation for increased visitorship and participation. Many of the plan’s priorities integrate seamlessly with the mayor’s citywide goals of sustainability, resiliency, and equity. But, most meaningfully, the plan ensures Snug Harbor will remain a lasting and vital part of the community’s life.