PROJECT PROFILE
DUNKIRK BOARDWALK MARKET
Dunkirk Department of Development
DUNKIRK, NEW YORK
Project Team:
Steven A Sandberg, A.I.A., Principal
Ed Schober, Project Designer & Manager
I. John Filhaber, P.E., Project Engineer
Siracuse Engineers, Consulting Structural Engineer
Maclain Berhaupt, Director, Dunkirk Dept. of Development
Completed: May 2008
Estimated Cost: $1.1 million
Scope: The City's Department of Development sought to promote Dunkirk's waterfront location on Lake Erie through the construction of a multi-tenant, tourist-friendly commercial establishment on the pier. In essence, it is a retail incubator intending to serve as the keystone of the revitalization of the community and ideally spur private development. With picturesque Chadwick Bay as a backdrop, Harrington Sandberg created a 4,200 square foot, New England-influenced design that incorporates eight tenant spaces and a Commons area, all accessible along a covered 1,700 square foot, 160 foot long boardwalk. The concept was the vision of Mayor Richard Frey who guided the design as well as the revitalization initiative. The unique scenario established the City as not only owner/developer, but also landlord and building manager. The project was built without impact to the local taxpayer, and was accomplished by creative financing through grants, low interest loans and other state and local funding sources. The revenue generated by the rental fees will be used to pay back the loans and help maintain the building. Designed and built on speculation, all eight tenant spaces are occupied and a waiting list already established.
The wood-framed structure, with standing seam metal roof and widow's walk balustrade at the peak, features the interplay of various architectural elements such as dormers, gables, a variety of siding styles, colors and fenestration that allow each tenant space to reflect a unique appeal yet maintain a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing overall appearance. Many of the materials, such as the composite decking manufactured of recycled plastic and wood fiber, renewable resource structural materials, well insulated shell, etc., feature environmentally friendly green benefits in regards to sustainability. Inside, the exposed wood trusses and natural light lend an airy and spacious feel to the relatively small tenant spaces. The spaces were designed with flexibility in mind so that they can be customized by each merchant.
The central Commons area includes restroom facilities, tourist and promotional information and exhibits. Each tenant space and Commons is individually heated and controlled, and features separate gas, electric and water meters. Provisions for air conditioning as well as stubs for future plumbing connections were planned for each tenant space so that adaptations for a various uses can be accommodated relatively easily. All tenant spaces are connected to a grease interceptor to allow for maximum flexibility in regards to current and future food establishments.
The building was integrated with the topography of the site so that the gentle sloping grades down to the lake permit both handicapped accessibility at the upper end, and terraced steps to grade at the elevated portions. Site work includes ample parking to accommodate vehicles with boat trailers and is bordered by a stamped asphalt walkway adjacent to the boardwalk, patterned and pigmented to resemble brick paving. Lighting and signage were carefully designed to complement the style of the building and evoke the simplicity and charm of an old seaside town.
The project has generated considerable enthusiasm in the City and surrounding region and promises to become a point of local interest and destination along the City's Bike Path and the greater New York State Seaway Trail.
