The Riviera at Roosevelt Island
The Riviera at Roosevelt Island by SSJ Development LLC®

The Riviera® at Roosevelt Island will actualize a long standing vision residents have had for the entire southern portion of the island. With its amazing views, tranquil setting and close proximity to Midtown this site is the most desirable, glorious and unparalleled piece of land in the city. Upon completion, The Riviera® at Roosevelt Island in conjunction with Southpoint Park will awaken the southern half of the island with an animated community centered on an unsurpassed outdoor environment. In continuing the water front esplanade and eliminating the run-down, forbidden environment in between, SSJ Development's vision will finally link the northern end of the island to its dramatic southern point, removing the physical and mental barriers that have limited its use. Linking the island with the rest of the city will give Roosevelt Island the opportunity to be the urban oasis it truly is.

Located slightly north of the Queensboro Bridge and extending to the south side of the bridge, this six-acre site takes up the entire width of the island from Main Street to East Road. SSJ Development's vision encompasses the Tram Site, the existing Goldwater Hospital Site, the Former City Hospital Site and embraces the Master Plan for a New Southpoint Park on Roosevelt Island as prepared by the Trust For Public Land. SSJ Development proposes creating a vibrant and lively community centered around a newly created transportation hub. A nchored by a new ferry terminal on each side of the island, a new pedestrian promenade is proposed just south of the tram. Complete with kiosks selling newspapers, coffee and snacks and benches offering the amazing views of the water, the city, the bridge and the tram, this space would serve as an urban gathering place. The tram station itself would be renovated by creating a glass enclosure on both sides of the tram so residents can enjoy the views while they wait. Just north of the site SSJ Development would also renovate the existing subway station.

On the southern side of the promenade, and wrapping around the new terminal to the east, SSJ Development proposes a new commercial/retail zone providing approximately 125,000 square feet of space in two story structures. This would include a restaurant capitalizing on the views and offering both indoor and outdoor dining, a multiplex theater, a sportsplex, boutiques and a fresh food market. On the east channel, a marina with boat slips for non-commercial pleasure boats is envisioned. The public docks will allow for such relaxing past times as fishing, sailing, canoeing or simply soaking up the fresh air at the water's edge. Small shops or kiosks will be provided on or near the docks to supplement these water enhancements and provide for boat rentals, bike rentals, kite shops, boating and fishing supplies.

South of the bridge, SSJ Development proposes a row of four story townhouses providing a residential transition from the low scale commercial and transportation hub to the high-rise residential towers in the middle of the site. With floor to ceiling windows, wraparound balconies and angled massing, the residential towers seek to capitalize on the fantastic vistas, sunlight and breezes that are offered by the site's unique and unsurpassed location. Each home will range from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet in one to five bedroom apartments, all with an outstanding variety of views. The development will also offer a community swimming pool. The existing subway air terminal with existing platforms below would be renovated into a new subway station to compensate for the number of new residents.

Even with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places and efforts to stabilize the structure, the Smallpox Hospital site continues to deteriorate. SSJ Development plans to undertake the stabilization and renovation of this majestic but dilapidated structure. It proposes an adaptive reuse such as a boutique hotel with spa, conference center and a restaurant to serve the park users. The building, its proximity to Manhattan, its views and its grounds all provide an excellent opportunity that is a rare find in this city.