Larchmont Yacht Club is the second-oldest yacht club in the United States. Conceived in 1880 on the cleft rocks of Larchmont Manor, the club has grown to a membership in excess of 600, with a continued mission to instill and enhance an interest in yachting and the spirit of sportsmanship in members and their families. Set within a mature forest of deciduous trees, the club is home to one of the largest competition and recreational swimming pools in the Northeast – more than 1.6 million gallons – captured by a seawall in what was once a natural cove. Unfortunately, this iconic pool fell victim to its own success, and could not be retrofitted to comply with current health codes.
SWA/Balsley was commissioned to envision a master plan that would improve the club’s operational capacity, allow for an expansion of its membership, and increase its revenues. The plan renews focus on the breathtaking views to the Horseshoe Harbor and Long Island Sound, raising the existing elevation more than seven feet. More than doubling the pool area’s capacity, the design also provides an expanded bi-level bar and grill; separate adult, child, and recreational facilities; and a waterfront promenade that encourages views out from the pool decks above. Circulation improvements and grade manipulation improve the property’s resilience in the face of sea level rise and storm surges, while reconstruction of the pool prevents harmful chemicals from leaching into the waters of the Long Island Sound.
Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel
SWA provided full landscape architectural services for this mixed-use development, which includes a 120-room luxury hotel, five villa residences, a supporting office complex, fitness center, spa and multi-use space. The Sand Hill Hotel and associated offices are nestled onto a dramatic hillside that slopes toward the Santa Cruz Mountains immediately beyond I-2...
Bayfront Parks Master Plan
Bounded by the scenic Hudson to the east, Jersey City is lined with high-rise towers and waterfront parks offering views of Manhattan. To the west, the often-overlooked Hackensack features wetlands, industry, and degraded post-industrial sites. The Bayfront Redevelopment Master Plan aims to transform a formerly contaminated 100-acre site on the Hackensack Rive...
Dubai Creek Harbor
Dubai Creek Harbor is a progressive and innovative new neighborhood that aims to respond to environmental concerns with professional, best-practice measures that will ensure an environment that is healthy, accessible, and environmentally responsible.
The storied history, culture, and nature of Dubai Creek serves as the inspiration for the design of Duba...
Flushing Commons
This ten-acre mixed-use development with parks, plazas, and retail will become the center of social and retail activity in downtown Flushing. Driven mostly by an influx of immigrants from East Asia, Flushing is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse neighborhoods in the US. Abuzz with shopping and socializing at all hours of the day and evening, its stree...