Commissioned by The City of New York to submit designs for the revitalization of the East River Waterfront, SHoP is transforming a neglected, inaccessible stretch of land into a renewed area that will draw the city fabric to the East River. The revitalization of Lower Manhattan is fundamental in sustaining the rich, creative environment that is synonymous with New York, and the East River waterfront project is an essential link in preserving that history. Areas of focus are finding new waterfront uses which include improving the esplanade, providing pavilions under the FDR Drive and opening piers to the public that will provide a place for recreation, community and maritime activities. The first portions of the project, the East River Esplanade and Pier 15, were completed in 2011.