The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) has signed a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC) for the $1.7 billion Battery Park City Resiliency Project (BPCR). This is the first project in New York City to use the progressive design-build model.
The agreement will create thousands of union jobs and increase opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). It will also secure fair wages, support local hiring, and open career paths for youth, apprentices, women, and veterans.
A joint venture between Turner Construction Company and SPC Construction Co. LLC is delivering the project through the progressive design-build method. This approach helps control cost and risk through transparency and teamwork.
BPCR will build a large, connected coastal flood protection system around Battery Park City. It will run from First Place along the Esplanade, across West Street/Route 9A, and end near Chambers Street. Construction will begin this fall.
Leaders praised the agreement, saying it supports climate protection, union careers, and strong community involvement. Officials highlighted that the project will combine modern design, fair labor practices, and long-term resilience for Lower Manhattan.
The PLA will streamline the entire construction process, helping avoid delays and ensuring skilled labor for the complex, multi-year project. It also supports training programs such as Construction Skills and Helmets to Hardhats, bringing new workers into the trades.
For four years, BPCA, Turner-SPC, Arcadis, BIG, SCAPE, and many partners have worked together on planning and community outreach to shape the project.
BPCR will protect Battery Park City from coastal flooding, heavy rain, and rising seas. It will also bring several benefits, including:
- Protection from 2.5 feet of future sea-level rise
- Lower homeowner costs due to removal from FEMA flood zones
- Better public spaces and seating
- Over 30% more greenery and 85% native plants
- Improved marine habitats with a reconstructed bulkhead
BPCR is BPCA’s third major resiliency project since Superstorm Sandy. The authority recently reopened Wagner Park after major upgrades and completed the Ball Fields & Community Center flood-protection project.
