New York Aquarium Concrete Structural Repairs

Location: Coney Island, NY

Client: JCC Construction Corp./Turner Construction 

Owner: New York Aquarium 

Scope: Temporary Works Design and Engineering

Located on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, the New York Aquarium serves as a premier center for marine education, conservation, and research, aiming to connect people with marine wildlife. With over 500 species and spanning more than 14 acres, the New York Aquarium offers visitors an immersive experience in the wonders of marine life.   

Quadrant Engineering was subcontracted to design the temporary shoring system required to support the existing shelf walls throughout the basement levels of the aquarium, enabling critical rehabilitation work to be performed safely and effectively. This effort spanned a substantial portion—nearly the entirety—of the basement floor, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated design approach that accounted for existing structural conditions, access limitations, and construction sequencing. Our temporary works engineering ensured that the shelf walls remained stable during all phases of construction, minimizing risk to the existing structure while allowing rehabilitation activities to proceed without disruption. Particular attention was given to load paths, constructability, and integration with ongoing operations, resulting in a system that balanced structural integrity, safety, and practical implementation in a constrained environment.

Additionally, Quadrant was also responsible for designing the temporary shoring of a three walled areaway, to be partially demolished and rehabilitated. This required an innovative approach to designing the shoring to take up minimal space due to the limited space available in the areaway.