$170 Million USD Floating Island Planned for Hudson River

New render images have been released of the planned floating island park, called Pier 55, to be built in New York’s Hudson River. Measuring at 2.4 acres, the island will be constructed from 300 concrete pylons sitting 15 to 70 feet above the water to give the illusion of natural slopes, and will feature winding walkways and a 700-seat open-air amphitheatre. Sunlight will also be able to penetrate the water below the island, creating a suitable environment for the nurturing of marine life. Slated to begin construction in 2016, the structure will cost a total of $170 million USD, of which $140 million will come from IAC chairman and billionaire Barry Diller and the remainder coming from the city, state and other donors.