Case Study: East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR)

Client Agencies: NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) / NYC Parks
Location: East River Waterfront, Manhattan, NY
Slated Completion: 2026

Project Overview

The East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) project is one of New York City’s largest climate adaptation initiatives. Running from Montgomery Street to East 25th Street along the East River, the multi-billion-dollar program is designed to shield over 110,000 residents from storm surge and sea level rise while rebuilding parks, recreation spaces, and community infrastructure.

Eastern’s Role

Eastern Landscape Contractors is executing one of the most complex landscape scopes in the region. Our responsibilities include:

• Tree Planting & Removal: Installation of 1,800+ caliper trees (up to 3.5”) and multi-stem species to restore the canopy while removing and mitigating existing trees in conflict with new floodwalls.
• Shrubs, Grasses & Groundcover: Planting of 25,000+ shrubs, 60,000+ ornamental grasses, and groundcovers across redeveloped parkland.
• Athletic & Recreation Zones: Construction of 15+ acres of new sod lawns and athletic fields designed for heavy public use.
• Horticultural Soils & Bioretention: Placement of 110,00+ CY of horticultural soils, compost, and bioretention media to support growth and stormwater management.
• Tree Protection: Deployment of 2,000+ LF of tree protection fencing and other systems to safeguard retained canopy throughout phased construction.

Progress & Impact

As construction advances, Eastern’s work is helping reestablish landscapes alongside floodwalls, levees, and gates—ensuring resiliency infrastructure is paired with vibrant, accessible parkland.

Looking Ahead

Scheduled for completion in 2026, ESCR will set a national precedent for climate-resilient landscape infrastructure in dense urban settings. Eastern’s role ensures that the project delivers not only protection, but also restored ecology, resilient green space, and long-term community benefit.