Building
SECTION E STO R E F R ONT S AND SIGNAGE
identity signs
The following types of Identity
Signs should be permitted in the
Alexander Street district:
Flush-Mount Wall Signs
Flush-Mount wall signs are a
fundamental form of identity
signage, attached flat to the
wall and an integral part of
the architectural detailing of
the building. The signs should
be positioned within logical
features of the building, such
as transom panels above entry-
ways, signage bands above
storefronts, or wall panels next
to storefront windows. Signs
should typically be located
between 4 to 6 feet above the
adjacent walking surface or
in the architectural sign band
located above doors and shops.
Signs located within a band for
fist floor occupants should not
typically be mounted higher
than 12 to 14 feet above the
adjacent walking surface.
Blade Signs (including Projecting
Bracket Mounted Signs)
Blade signs are typically sus-
pended from a permanent
bracket attached to the build-
ing, either fi xed in place or
suspended from the bracket.
They are great opportunities
for creating colorful unique
identities for businesses. Blade
signs should be no larger than
90
12 square feet per side and set
at a minimum clearance of 8
feet above sidewalk level. Blade
signs should not extend more
than 4 feet from the building.
Window Signs
Window signs are directly
applied vinyl or paint to the
window or door glass of the
retail storefront. Window signs
are another great artistic oppor-
tunity and should be of a high
quality. They should be no larg-
er than 25% of the window area
on which they are placed.
Suspended Signs
These signs are suspended from
overhead structures of pedes-
trian walkways or underneath
and arcade. Signs perpendicular
to the building facade should be
Signage
a maximum width of 3 feet and
shall not extend beyond 4 feet
from the building facade. Signs
parallel to the facade shall not
be greater than 12 feet in width.
All suspended signs should be
a minimum of 8 feet above the
sidewalk.
Awning Signs
Awning signs are characterized
by varying colors and sizes to
differentiate businesses. They
also provide shade and cover
from the rain. Awnings shall
not be internally illuminated,
but may be illuminated by a
direct exterior lighting source
located above the awning and
attached to the building exte-
rior. Translucent materials,
metals, and plastics are not
permitted as awning materials.
Lettering, emblems, or logos are
permitted on the upper awning
surface itself or on the awning

flap, provided that the awning
flap is no greater than 10 inches
in height.
Canopy Signs
(including Marquee Signs)
These signs or sign letters are
attached to, painted on, or
inscribed upon a projecting
canopy or marquee. Projecting
Signs are mounted perpen-
dicular to the building face
and extend outward from the
building with either a horizon-
tal or vertical orientation. The
canopy or marquee is typically
characterized by a three dimen-
sional quality and by its ability
to accommodate lettering on 2
sides, if vertically mounted like
a traditional movie marquee,
or on 3 slides if horizontally
mounted. The minimum clear-
ance above a pedestrian side-
walk is 8 feet.
freestanding signs
In addition to permanent Identity
Signs, individual businesses are
also permitted to have Freestand-
ing signs. Freestanding signs
should not be considered to be
Identity signs and should not count
as part of the permitted allotment
for a ground floor business:
Menu Board Signs
These are building mounted
signs with a cleanly presented
menu for the adjacent eating
establishment.
Sandwich or A-Frame Signs
These are double-faced, free-
standing signs that may have
permanent or eraseable infor-
mation on both sides. Sandwich
or A-Frame Signs are designed
as a place to identify daily
specials or special items not
typically included on a menu
or Menu Board Sign. They are
also used to help identify busi-
nesses located down alleyways
or in courtyards off of the pri-
mary frontage.
Table Umbrella Signs
Similar to awnings, table
umbrellas or parasols should be
used by eating establishments
to add vibrant color to outdoor
spaces and to create attractive
outdoor seating areas. Restau-
rants may use the table umbrel-
las to enhance the identification
of their business through the
selection of thematic colors or
by adding text or logos directly
onto the umbrellas. A restau-
rant may have a number of table
umbrellas and should be consis-
tent in design.
91
landscape guidelines
 SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

OVERVIEW

The new Alexander Street district, just north of downtown Yonkers is bound-
ed by the Hudson River to the West, Wells Avenue to the south, the Metro-
North Railroad right-of-way to the east, and the northern end of Trevor Park
and JFK Marina Park to the north. Currently, access is limited to the site due
to the steep topography of Yonkers East-West street connections. The built
environment is composed of deteriorating low rise industrial buildings with
little to no landscape enhancement.
The redevelopment of this mixed-use district has the potential to draw
many visitors and residents alike by creating public open spaces and espla-
nades, establishing access to the waterfront, and maintaining and enhancing
views of the Manhattan skyline to the south and the majestic Palisades cliffs
directly across the water. The Bezcak, a waterfront environmental center, has
set a precedent of returning the waters edge to its native planting and estab-
lishing new habitats, a precedent which will be continued in this district.
The landscape guidelines set forth in this document will guide the creation
and detailing of the parks and urban streetscape of public spaces. The open
space framework plan will provide opportunities for a connected pedestrian
environment that includes esplanades, gathering spaces, public art, as well
as walking and biking trails. Detailed park plans illustrating the character
of each space and recommended site materials to be used will enliven and
personalize each address. Finally, sustainable practice guidelines will outline
the measures to be used throughout the district.

94
 New esplanade at Yonkers waterfront

Rip rap edge at Yonkers waterfront Hudson River Palisades across from Yonkers waterfront

Downtown Yonkers garden and fountain Existing Yonkers streetscape

95
 SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

open space framework plan

public open space
The Alexander Street open space framework provides for a connected system
of parks, greenways, trails, and natural areas for both active and passive fam-
ily and community oriented recreation. The plan distributes parks throughout
the new district so that each resident is within a short walk of open space.
The parks vary in character to promote distinctive place making and address-
es. The parks and the waterfront are connected to residential areas and each
other by an interconnected network of sidewalks and pathways, encouraging
residents to walk. For park visitors who choose to drive from an adjacent
neighborhood, ample on-street parking will be provided.
The open space framework includes five types of public open spaces.

T HE WAT ERFRONT ESPL A NA D E

A new continuous esplanade at the edge of Waterside Drive will run the
entire length of the neighborhood and will be the defining element of the
district. The generous walkway will be lined with clustered groups of seat-
ing and street trees, allowing residents views of the Palisades to the west as
well as of New York Citys skyline to the south and the Tappen Zee area to
the north. Unlike the esplanade lining the Hudson Park Apartment build-
ings, the new Yonkers esplanade refers to the area lining the waterfront drive
which is separate from the new waterfront park.

T HE WAT ERFRONT PA RK
The proposed waterfront park at Yonkers will connect residents and visitors to
the river and enhance existing amenities. The park consists of open lawn, pavil-
ions for gatherings and events, sweeps of native vegetation, creative play zones,
and trails for walking and biking between the esplanade and waters edge.

PUBLIC PA RKS A ND G A RD ENS

These areas are designated park spaces integrated into the residential blocks for
passive recreational uses and for neighborhood gatherings. Amenities will include
open grass areas for the following: play areas, pavilions, gardens, and seating
areas. These areas may be maintained by either the city and/or local owners.

PRIVAT E PA RKS A ND G A RD ENS

These areas are designated as more private park or plaza spaces for passive

96
recreational uses associated with the surrounding businesses or residences.
Amenities will include open grass areas, gardens, and seating areas. These
areas will be maintained by local owners but may be open to the public dur-
ing limited hours.

ST REE T T REES A ND SID E WA LK PAVING

The connective fiber of our open space system is the consistent use of street
trees and a rich sidewalk paving. Specific streets will incorporate landscape
verges and will serve as part of the greater pedestrian trail connections.

(above) Map showing the extension of the

waterfront esplanade to the JFK Marina.
(left) Enlarged plan showing location of
waterfront esplanade, waterfront park, and
public parks.

WATERFRONT PARK

WATERFRONT ESPLANADE

PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS

PRIVATE PARKS AND GARDENS

97
 SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

pedestrian network plan

enhancing the natural &
pedestrian environment
In addition to connecting the parks and green spaces throughout our study
area, the proposed pedestrian network of the Alexander Street Redevelop-
ment consists of a series of interconnected walkways intended to link the new
Hudson Park Apartment buildings mixed-use development to the south and
the existing JFK Marina to the north.

CULT URE Pedestrian esplanade with integrated artwork

The rich cultural heritage of Yonkers provides ample opportunities for inter-
pretation along the proposed pedestrian connections. Signage will guide visi-
tors and residents through sites of cultural, historical, and natural interest
along the pedestrian network.

ECOLOGY
Yonkers waterfront is experiencing a rebirth. Industry along the waterfront,
once the driving force of the economy, has been replaced by more ecologically
sensitive uses. Park space will occupy former industrialized sites. The river
edge will be protected by restored native plantings.

PED EST RI A N & BICYCL E CONNEC T IONS Bike and walking trail
The proposed network of connections for both bicyclists and pedestrians
will provide links to green spaces and educational loops will inform about
the cultural and ecological heritage of Yonkers. The types of connections
include sidewalks, the waterfront esplanade, boardwalks, multi-use trails,
and share roads.

INT EGR AT ED A RT
The proposed redevelopment of Alexander Street oers ample opportunities
for public art installations. Beyond its personal benets, public art allows for
the expression and celebration of the spirit of the community. Public art will
enhance Yonkers communitys image as well as activate public spaces. Art
may be integrated into paving, bridges, site furnishings, water features, or as
a stand alone object. Integrated art in plaza

98
THE RIVERFRONT
PRIMARY ROUTE OF ECOLOGICAL WALKING TOUR

NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS
PRIMARY ROUTE OF CULTURAL WALKING TOUR

THE ESPLANADE
PRIMARY PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CONNECTIONS

Map showing the possible location of walking

tours and pedestrian and bicycle connections.
The aim of the walking tours is to provide
pedestrian loops of varying lengths that offer
a variety of ways to reach destinations while
providing educational opportunities for the
general public in the forms of interpretive pan-
els or installations.

99
 Pe d e s tr i a n
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES
N e two r k s

integrated art
Public art is a vital component of any active and vibrant community. A public
process engaging members of Yonkers community and artists in order to
brainstorm and collectively refine subject matter will produce rich, site spe-
cific art work that tells the story of the Yonkers to the viewer.

INT ER AC T IV E A RT
Interactive art allows viewers to participate in some way. Viewers are often
encouraged to touch, feel, read, or walk through a sequence of experienc-
es. Possible examples for interactive art installations at Yonkers waterfront
include interactive fountains, descriptive time line panels in railings, paving
inserts, etc.

ENVIRONMENTA L A RT
Environmental art is a type of installation created for a specific set of sur-
roundings unlike conventional art pieces that may be moved from place to
place without losing meaning. Environmental art pieces, whether a tempo-
rary or permanent installation, draws out the character of its environment.

INT EGR AT ED A RT
Artists often collaborate with architects and planners in order to enhance
the public domain. In Yonkers, many opportunities exist to upgrade the
palette of site furnishings (benches, lights, railings, etc) with artist inspired
additions. The diagram to the right illustrates possible locations for public
art opportunities.

100
INT ER AC T IV E A RT
Diagram showing possible location of art opportunities. Themes for inte-
grated art may fall into the following categories:
1 Ecological Interpretations i.e. aquatic life of the Hudson River, geol-
ogy of the region, etc.
2 Cultural or Historical Interpretations i.e. inventions made at this site,
shipwrecks off the coast, nautical and rail road firsts, etc.

Railings, paving, seat-

ing, lighting, structures,
and water feature Interpretive panels
along Rail Street

Railings, paving, and

lighting along esplanade

Railings and trellis at

overlook, kiosks, and
pavilions

Interpretive panels
along Rail Street

Interpretive panels at
overlook, decorative
paving and walls at
Interactive fountain, stairs, and monument
shade structures, rail- in plaza
ings, lighting

Railings, paving, seat-

ing, lighting, shade
structures along pier

101
 SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

detailed park plans

The Alexander Street Open Space plan includes parks varying in both size
and character that promote distinctive place making in the new waterfront
district. This section describes in detail the character of the seven types of
public open spaces. The following pages provide enlarged plans and sections
illustrating the proposed design of the parks and minimum and maximum
dimensions. Each park space has its own unique character, but uses standard
material and furniture palettes as well as precedent images and sketches to
further illustrate the character of the space.

WAT ERFRONT ESPL A NA D E

The waterfront esplanade follows the river side of Waterside Drive and is a
continuous grand walk along the river.

WAT ERFRONT PA RK
The waterfront park runs the entire length of the site and allows for both
active and passive recreational use.

WAT ERFRONT PA RK T HE COV E

The Cove is a sheltered inlet along the river and is a major destination space
within the waterfront park.

WAT ERFRONT PA RK T HE GRE AT L AW N

The Great Lawn is a destination space within the waterfront park directly
across for the Town Square Gardens.

GR A ND PL A Z A
The Grand Plaza is a central green that spans Alexander Street and termi-
nates at an overlook at the rivers edge.

TOW N SQUA RE G A RD ENS

The Town Square Gardens is a corner plaza replete with formal gardens and
garden feature surrounded by mixed-use development.

ME WS A DDRESS
Mews addresses are semi-public spaces with a central lawn for passive recre-
ation, gardens, and tot lots.

102
 Park at Point
Street Landing

T HE PL A Z A AT P OINT ST REE T
L A NDING
Plaza at
The Plaza at Point Street Landing Pavilions at Point Street
is an overlook area atop the park- Point Street Landing
Landing
ing garage deck at the terminus of Mews
Point Street. Address

T HE PAVILIONS AT P OINT
ST REE T L A ND ING Waterfront Rail Street
The Pavilions at Point Street land- Esplanade
ing are situated in a plaza located at Mews
Address
the river level.

T HE PA RK AT P OINT ST REE T
L A NDING
The Park at Point Street landing,
Mews
which faces north-northwest over- Address
looking the Hudson and the Tappan
Zee bridge is a formal garden mark- Waterfront Park Town
ing the entry to the district. The Great Square
Lawn Gardens
R A IL ST REE T Mews
Rail Street celebrates the existing Address

transit line through its selection of Rail Street

street furnishings, interpretive pan- Grand Plaza
els, and plantings. The interpretive
panels along the street create a sto-
ryboard illustrating the the growth
of Yonkers and the birth of the
Waterfront Park
industrial era in the US.
The Cove

Waterfront park

103
 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

waterfront esplanade
The proposed Waterfront Esplanade extends the entire length of the new
ESSENTIAL CHAR ACTERISTICS
Alexander Street district linking to the JFK Marina the northern end and
Continuous line of street trees and
the Collins mixed use development at the southern end. The esplanade is a
walkways along waterside drive
14 foot wide walkway lined with street trees and planted verges with inter- Small overlooks with seating dot the
mittent groups of seating. Overlooks and piers, allowing for views of the walkway and allow views to the water
and back towards the streetscape
Palisades and skyline, punctuate the esplanade and typically end the view
The detailing is historical in character
corridors created by mews addresses. with a traditional palette of lighting,
railings, site furniture, etc. Refer to
The esplanade connects the proposed green spaces throughout the district the Westchester County River Walk
and is the major pedestrian spine for this area. The detailing here is tradi- Guidelines for recommended materials.

tional in nature as depicted on the following pages. A large trellis and overlook on axis with
the Grand Plaza punctuates one end of
the esplanade.
The esplanade is a bike walking zone
only.
Sustainability measures at the espla-
nade include the use of dark sky com-
pliant lighting and porous paving at the
overlooks and seating areas. Refer to
the Sustainability section for additional
information.

Perspective sketch showing esplanade with traditional light fixtures and railing, wide with paving bands and grouped seating along continuous street
tree verge.

104
Enlarged plan showing piers and overlooks along the esplanade ending
mews and street axis

105
 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

details & precedents

The following list of materials and corresponding precedent images illustrate

the standard components for the Waterfront Esplanade at Yonkers. When
placing site furniture, orientation of materials should account for catching
summer breezes off of the river while providing shade from the searing south
and west sun. Conversely, while the park is less used in the winter, a por-
tion of site furniture should be located to capture the winter sun, yet protect
against the harsh west-northwest winter winds.

Trellis with brick piers and decorative paving

M AT ERI A L S
Trail paving:Elevated boardwalk
(ipe or mahogany) in sensitive areas
such as wetlands or waters edge.
All other trails shall be of a imper-
vious material. Acceptable materi-
als include: concrete, concrete pav-
ers, flagstone, granite, or decking.
Trail dimension: 16 feet wide walk-
way clear of all objects. Esplanade
is a walk bikes zone. Street trees
shall be in 8 feet wide planting
beds.
Railings and Overlooks: Railings
are considered an opportunity for
integrated art installations.
Shade structures: Trellises, pavil-
ions, and arbors shall be dispersed
throughout the plan at major gath-
ering spaces. Structures should
be of a durable material with
traditional details. Structures are
considered an opportunity for inte-
grated art installations.
Lighting: Dark sky compliant light-
ing, historic detailing. Poles and
fi xtures to be 14 feet high max.
Match City of Yonkers traditional
pole and fi xture at street edge.
Planting: Sweeps of native grasses
and wetland/rivers edge planting
shall be used at waters edge and as
indicated on the waterfront park plan.
Seating: Metal, black powder coat
benches by DuMor Site Furnish-
ings at all other locations. Refer to
precedent images.
Bike racks:Shall be provided at
major event areas by American
Bicycle Security Company.
Trash receptacles: Combined
recycling and trash receptacles
are encouraged. Material should
be durable and graffiti resistant.
Landscape Forms, Chase Park
series.

106
Historic light fixture Trellis with stone columns and decorative paving

Waterfront esplanade with historic fixtures Precedent images showing intergrated art in
and benches cut stone walls with stone caps.

Traditional
light fix-
tures
Traditionally detailed benches and trash recep-
tacles Native
waterfront
planting

Rip rap
edge as
required
8' plant- 16' walk
ing zone minimum

107
 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

waterfront park
Yonkers waterfront park runs the entire length of the new Alexander Street
ESSENTIAL CHAR ACTERISTICS
district and allows residents access to what was a formerly an industrialized
Great lawns for passive recreational
waterfront. The waters edge is treated with rip rap and native planting and
uses located adjacent to the Town
raised walkways in the most sensitive ecological areas. Where space allows, Garden.

gently sloping lawns connect the esplanade to the rivers edge planting. The Rolling lawns transition to wetland and
rivers edge planting. Raised walkways
lawns encourage creative play, gathering, relaxing, and a diverse array of recre- shall be used in ecologically sensitive
ation. Small, creative play zones are dispersed throughout the waterfront park. areas.
The detailing is contemporary in char-
Intermittent overlooks and piers allow for views down and across the river. acter with a palette of lighting, railings,
The Great Lawn and The Cove, two distinct areas of the park contain and site furniture based on local New
York riverfront precedents. Refer to
many amenities including: shade structures, pavilions, interactive fountains, the Westchester County River Walk
overlooks, plazas, childrens play areas, and dog park facilities. Detailed Guidelines for recommended materials.
An interactive fountain and play area
descriptions for these two areas may be found on the following pages. shall be adjacent to the great lawns.
Shade structures and overlooks or
piers shall punctuate the lower walk.
Sustainability measures include native
planting, porous paving, bioswales
and wetlands to slow down run off
and increase infiltration. Refer to the
Sustainability section for additional
information.

Creative play area - recessed lawn between

pathways

Perspective sketch showing waterfront pier with contemporary trellis.

108
 Amphitheater stairs above
rip rap edge at water

Pier

Overlook

Waterfront Park The Great Lawn

Creative play area

Overlook

Creative play area

Waterfront Park The Cove

Overlook

Native planting

Pier and overlook

109
 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

details & precedents

The following list of materials and corresponding precedent images illustrate

the standard components for the Waterfront Park at Yonkers. When placing
site furniture, orientation of materials should account for catching summer
breezes off of the river while providing shade from the searing south and
west sun. Conversely, while the park is less used in the winter, a portion of
site furniture should be located to capture the winter sun, yet protect against
the harsh west-northwest winter winds.

M AT ERI A L S
Trail paving: Elevated walkway in
sensitive areas such as wetlands or
waters edge. All other trails shall be
of a impervious material. Acceptable
materials include: concrete, concrete
pavers, agstone, granite, or decking
Trail in constrained area dimension:
6 feet wide minimum.
Trail dimension:6 feet wide mini-
mum and 10 feet recommended for
multi-purpose trail.
Railings: Railings are considered an
opportunity for integrated art instal-
lations.
Shade structures: Trellises, pavil-
ions, and arbors shall be dispersed
throughout the plan at major gath-
ering spaces. Structures should be
of a durable material. Structures are
considered an opportunity for inte-
grated art installations.
Lighting: Dark sky compliant light-
ing. Poles and xtures to be 14 feet
high max. Match Westchester Coun-
ty Riverwalk guidelines selected x-
Metal bench by DuMor Site Furnishings
ture.
Planting: Sweeps of native grasses and
wetland/ rivers edge planting shall be
used at waters edge and as indicated
on the waterfront park plan.
Seating: Ipe or wood seating is
encouraged at elevated walkways
and are considered art opportunities
Metal, black powder coat benches
by DuMor Site Furnishings at all
other locations. Refer to precedent
images. Trash receptacle
Bike racks: Shall be provided at
major event areas by American Bicy-
cle Security Company.
Trash receptacles:Combined recy-
cling and trash receptacles are
encouraged. Material should be
durable and grati resistant. Land-
scape Forms, Chase Park series.

110
 Bike racks

Wood pier with railing overlooking water Contemporary shade structure

Concrete walk and pavers along Esplanade

Wood boardwalk amidst native planting

Contemporary railing and laser cut metal panel at pier.

Esplanade

Elevated
walkway

Wood benches and boardwalk

8' plant- 16' walk

ing zone minimum

Ground level light fixture along boardwalk Section through Esplanade at street edge and raised walk at sensitive area at waters edge.

111
 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

waterfront park the cove

The Cove at the waterfront park is a small sheltered inlet of the river that
slopes gently up towards Alexander Street. Four terraces that alternate from
decorative paving to lawn step down to the river. The uppermost plaza at
Alexander Street has a cafe pavilion with space for outdoor seating and gath-
ering. Gracious steps run the entire length of the plaza and lead down to the
first lawn terrace which is also accessed by ramps that gently curve in from
the esplanade. Seat walls define the edges and allow for gathering space.
The third terrace houses an interactive fountain set in decorative paving.
During festivals, the fountain may remain off allowing for a larger gathering
space or impromptu stage. The fourth terrace is another lawn panel allowing
for gathering, sunbathing, or passive play. The sequence ends in a pier that
extends out into the river allowing for views of the Palisades opposite and the
skyline to the south. A contemporary shade structure allows for protection
from the sun. Native planting and rip rap reinforce the waters edge and allow
for a diverse habitat. Contemporary shade structure

Shade structures along path

Perspective sketch showing view from the cafe pavilion terrace down to the water. Creative play area intergral art and interac-
tive fountain

112
 Creative play area

Ramps

Tree cluster in
native planting

Pier and trellis

Interactive fountain

Lawn terrace

Tree cluster in
native planting

Lawn terrace

Pavilion at terrace pavings

113
 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

waterfront park
the great lawn
The Great Lawn is a series of rolling open spaces located across from the
Town Square Gardens. An iconic pavilion acts as the trailhead at the plaza
marking the entrance to the lawn sequence. Gently sloping lawns roll down
from the esplanade towards the water allowing for passive recreation, creative
play, gathering for events, and may also contain a dog run for pet owners. The
ends of the Great Lawn are completed to the north by an overlook and to the
south by a small creative play area. The esplanade traverses the entire length
of the Great Lawn at waterside drive and a boardwalk trail swoops down to
allow closer access to the native plantings at the rivers edge.
Contemporary pavilion in plaza

Precedent image showing open lawn near

waters edge

Perspective sketch showing great lawn with walk and grouped benches and boardwalk amidst
native planting at waters edge.

Section showing elevated boardwalk (maxi-

mum 6 feet wide) at sensitive areas.

114
 Overlook on axis
with mews address

Native planting

Lawn (location
of dog run)

Trailhead pavilion
at plaza

Lawn

Native planting

Boardwalk

Creative play area

115
 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

grand plaza
The Grand Plaza sequence begins in an overlook at the termination of Bab-
ESSENTIAL CHAR ACTERISTICS
cock Avenue and extends to a trellised view terrace at the Hudson River. At
The sequence begins at the terminus
Babcock Avenue, a grand staircase cascades down through lush planting,
of Babcock Avenue in an overlook with
landing in an intimate plaza with a monument and formal gardens. stairs leading down to a garden plaza.

After crossing Alexander Street, three terraced lawns create the main Three terraced lawns gently slope
towards the water
framework of the space. The lawns are bounded by seat walls with stairs
The central terrace is the largest lawn
that span one entire end of each individual terrace. The central lawn is larger space allowing for passive recreation.
to allow for gatherings, performances, and festivals. Two kiosks flank the The city side terrace contains two
kiosks and a garden feature and the
entrance to the terrace at Alexander Street while a pavilion and fountain water side terrace houses a pavilion
at the other end of the park rounds out the third terrace. Flanking one way and fountain.
Each lawn terrace ends in stairs and
streets with regular tree lines in cobble paving bands run the entire length of seat walls.
the Grand Plaza. Continuous street trees and walkways
The final movement on the sequence occurs in the overlook at the Hudson along line the Grand Plaza.
Trellises frame the overlook which
River. A trellis spans the entire length of the space and a small plaza allows
ends the sequence to the water.
for small events at the waterfront. The detailing is historical in character
with a traditional palette of lighting,
railings, site furniture, etc.
A large overlook on axis with the
Grand Plaza punctuates one end of the
esplanade.
Sustainability measures include the
use of dark sky compliant lighting,
porous paving at the seating areas,
and native, drought tolerant planting
within the planting beds and tree pits.
Refer to the Sustainability Section for
additional information.

Perspective sketch showing view into the Grand Plaza. Continuous street trees line are centered in Image showing stairs connecting upper to
cobble paving bands on both sides of the street. lower street levels.

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 Seat walls

Lawn terrace Overlook at termination

Fountain of Babcock Street

Pavilion Monument in formal

garden plaza

Overlook Garden feature

Decorative Kiosks at Alexander

paving Street interface

Image showing integrated art along stairs. Perspective sketch showing the view into the overlook at the end of the Grand Plaza.

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 De ta i l e d Pa r k P l a n s
SECTION F L A N D S C A P E G UIDELINES

details & precedents

The following list of materials and corresponding precedent images illustrate

the standard components for the Grand Plaza at Yonkers. Additional site
specific elements may be incorporated if approved by the city.

M AT ERI A L S
Trail paving: Walks shall be of a per-
vious material. Acceptable materials
include: pervious pavers, crushed
limestone, and pervious concrete or
asphalt.
Walk dimension: 7 feet wide walk-
way. Street trees shall be in 5 feet
wide cobble bands.
Lighting: Dark sky compliant light-
ing, historic detailing. Poles to be 14
feet high max.
Planting: Refer to plant list in sus-
tainability section for approved
materials in planting beds.
Gathering at event lawn
Seating: Metal, traditionally detailed

Materials to
Seat walls and stairs:
benches throughout park. Refer to
be stone, cast stone, precast con- precedent images.
crete, or brick.
Bike racks: Shall be provided at
Features: Trellises, pavilions, kiosks,
major event areas.
water features, and monuments are
shown throughout the plan. Fea- Trash receptacles:Combined recy-
tures should be of a durable material cling and trash receptacles are
encouraged. Material should be Traditional trellis with stone piers
with traditional details. Features are
considered an opportunity for inte- durable and grati resistant.
grated art installations.

Traditional trellis with stone columns

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Stone steps with etched text Stone pier and steps Wall allows ramp to transition grades.

Street trees in cobble bands line park edge Street trees, lighting, and seating organized in cobble paving bands

Water feature

Pavilion with central open space

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