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Big ‘props’ at Pier 76 for speedy build of temporary park space

That was fast.

Formerly home to a New York Police Department tow pound, Pier 76 has been transformed into a temporary park space on the Chelsea waterfront at W. 36th St.

Constructed by the New York State Parks Department, the project involved the removal of the former tow pound building and numerous improvements to the 245,000-square-foot pier.

The pier’s large surface now includes outdoor flexible space, benches for people to relax and enjoy the waterfront views, and numerous interpretive plaques relaying the history of the area.

The temporary park — which retains the former pier shed’s structural steel beams like a trellis — offers great river views. (Hudson River Park Trust)

Speaking of fast, Pier 76 also features a propeller from the S.S. United States, famous as the record holder for the swiftest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly 20 feet in diameter, the propeller weighs 73,000 pounds. After completing 400 transatlantic voyages, the United States was retired from active service in 1969 with the advent of affordable jet service to Europe.

Entertainment on Pier 76 at the ribbon-cutting for the temporary park space in early June. (Governor’s Office)

Pier 76 will eventually be entirely reconstructed to support both a new public park and allowable commercial uses to help support the overall Hudson River Park’s maintenance and operations.

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