Harlem’s Metropolitan Hospital Debuts New Flood Protection System
By Fay Harvey
HARLEM, N.Y. — On Dec. 3, 2024, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), NYC Health and Hospitals, and community stakeholders celebrated the completion of the new $112 million flood protection project at NYC Health and Hospitals/Metropolitan Hospital in East Harlem with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The flood wall protecting Metropolitan Hospital from the nearby East River varies in height, starting at eight feet with capabilities of rising to 12 feet. Coupled with entrance openings that feature resilient floodgates of up to 45 feet in width, the system will protect the facility and infrastructure from storm surges and flooding, with the potential to withstand a one-in-500-year storm event.
The project involved reorganizing the hospital exterior to support the new flood mitigation system, providing more functionality and improving public accessibility and emergency vehicle access as a result. Construction teams installed new lighting, fire protection systems, security enhancements and erosion controls. Alterations were also made to protect loading docks and walls were hardened on the facility’s Mental Health Building.
“Strengthening the resilience of our hospitals, especially as climate-related hazards become more frequent and severe, is critical to ensuring that NYC Health + Hospitals can continue providing uninterrupted care to New Yorkers no matter the weather,” said Manny Saez, NYC Health and Hospitals vice president of facilities, in a statement. “The completion of this state-of-the-art floodwall at Metropolitan Hospital is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the public healthcare system’s infrastructure.”
When Hurricane Sandy hit New York City in 2012, almost all of NYC Health and Hospitals facilities suffered from weather-related damage such as power loss and failed water pumps, requiring patient relocation. Though Metropolitan Hospital continued to operate throughout the 2012 devastation period to provide uninterrupted care for patients, the new flood protection system will better protect staff and clients and ensure buildings can remain operational during superstorms. Over the past decade, the health system has worked tirelessly to ensure that hospital facilities are ready for future natural disasters by developing more resilient buildings and improvement projects.
STV, a national professional services firm that plans, designs and manages infrastructure projects, was one of the project team members in attendance at the Metropolitan Hospital ceremony. STV previously collaborated with the health system by providing project and construction management of a $1.7 billion capital construction program at four NYC Health and Hospitals facilities that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy, including the new South Brooklyn Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospital.
For the Metropolitan Hospital project, STV supported the design and construction of the new flood system, including the stormwater-detention tank system that can accommodate rising flood levels and protect critical infrastructure on the hospital campus.
“New Yorkers’ health depends on implementing critical stormwater infrastructure, so hospitals can keep staff and patients safe while continuing to serve the community,” Andrew Eckl, CCM, CHC and senior project manager at STV, said in a statement. “By integrating sustainable and resilient solutions, we’re addressing current needs while preparing the community for the future.”
The public, outdoor area of Metropolitan Hospital also received improvements including a new picnic area, public seating and landscaping. A mural created by local artist Miguel Luciano was painted onto the floodwall that incorporates historical aspects of Harlem such as photographs from the late local photographer Hiram Maristany.
The flood wall project was brought to fruition by NYC Health and Hospitals’ larger Climate Resilience Plan designed to create facility stability in the face of climate hazards, such as rising sea level, extreme heat and wind.
With 75 buildings encompassing a combined footprint of 20 million square feet, researchers assessed the potential impact of climate-related disasters on key NYC Health and Hospitals facility operations such as natural gas, steam, telecommunications and transportation. The plan recommended included installing emergency generators, enhancing drainage systems, integrating green infrastructure and constructing flood barriers.
“Community Board 11 is beyond pleased to see the necessary investment in Metropolitan Hospital’s floodwall, which will protect the integral infrastructure and doctors as they provide care to our patients,” said Xavier A. Santiago, Community Board 11 chairperson, in a statement. “As we tackle climate change together, we look forward to future investments from the city.”