Summer in the concrete jungle is no picnic. But one New York developer is looking to to create a sandy oasis right in The Big Apple.
Blayne Ross is using crowdfunding site Indiegogo to start a campaign that would convert an old shipping barge into a floating beach along the Hudson River. Called City Beach, it is estimated to cost $24 million.
Ross, who calls himself a creative entrepreneur, has teamed up with Workshop/APD and Craft Engineering to help develop the ambitious design.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Manhattan needs a beach,” Ross says on his Indiegogo page. “It’s an island surrounded by water with no sand and it’s going to take a little vision to make it happen. We want to make your summertime experience awesome.”
City Beach is designed to accommodate up to 700 people on the barge, which is 260 ft. long by 72 ft. wide. On the upper deck, sunbathers will be able to take in the 360 degree city views at beach area that will be able to hold over 324 tons of sand. The lower level will feature three restaurants, a surf shop and Kids Science Lab.
There will be no pool at City Beach, but the idea is get permits to dock at designated locations along the Hudson River–like a traveling seashore — and cool off in the river if you’re brave enough.
So far, the project has raised over $2,000 of its initial round of $35,000 funding needed to develop an operation plan and begin the permit process.
With nearly a month left in the campaign, sweaty New Yorkers may be just desperate enough to contribute some cash.
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