On December 3, 2024, the New York City Economic Development Corporation and NYC Health + Hospitals celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new flood protection system at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan in East Harlem. Members of the Gramercy Group team were honored to attend, having proudly contributed to this project as a subcontractor to Gilbane Building Company on behalf of NYCEDC.

A Storm That Changed Everything

When Hurricane Sandy struck New York City in October 2012, it exposed just how vulnerable the city’s critical infrastructure was to coastal flooding. Nearly every major NYC Health + Hospitals facility sustained damage from rain, wind, and storm surge. Metropolitan Hospital, located just blocks from the East River, was among the hardest hit. Staff endured the storm to provide uninterrupted patient care, but the aftermath brought power outages, patient relocations, and emergency repairs to failed pumps and generators.

The experience made one thing clear: the hospital needed more than temporary fixes. It needed infrastructure that could stand up to the next storm and every one after it.

Building for Resilience

The Metropolitan Hospital Floodwall Resiliency Project, initiated by NYCEDC and NYC Health + Hospitals in 2016, was designed to address exactly that. The scope was massive — a 360,000-square-foot campus spanning four city blocks, with 1,800 linear feet of perimeter to protect. The result is an innovative floodwall ranging from 8 to 12 feet in height, its structural integrity anchored by corrugated sheeting drilled 45 feet underground. Deployable floodgates up to 45 feet wide allow the system to seal off the campus while maintaining everyday access — all engineered to withstand a one-in-500-year storm event.

Beyond the floodwall itself, the project included three new structures, multiple below-grade utility tunnels, an upgraded stormwater detention system with new pump stations and underground detention tanks, hardened walls on the Mental Health Building, relocated medical supply services, and new lighting, fire protection, and security enhancements. The hospital’s public spaces were also redesigned with new green areas, a picnic area along First Avenue, and extensive landscaping that create a more welcoming environment for patients and visitors. Throughout it all, the hospital remained fully operational with minimal impact on day-to-day care.

Gramercy’s Role

Gramercy Group’s scope centered on furnishing and installing the deployable flood barrier systems around the hospital’s perimeter. The work involved stainless steel welding, bolting, and equipment installation, followed by witnessed performance testing on various barrier types for quality assurance — including constructing bulkheads and evaluating leakage rates for end-user acceptance. Our team also furnished and installed architectural enclosures to conceal the barriers from public view, and managed a thorough closeout process that included as-builts, warranties, field testing, and end-user training.

Art That Tells a Story

One of the most distinctive elements of the project is the artwork integrated into the floodwall’s design. After a competitive selection process, local artist Miguel Luciano was chosen to create Joy, Love and Resistance in El Barrio (2024), a piece featuring historic, celebratory images of East Harlem residents captured by renowned photographer Hiram Maristany, a lifelong East Harlem resident, founding member of the Young Lords, and their official photographer. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience is built through community.

Looking Ahead

This project represents a significant step in protecting one of New York City’s most essential public health facilities and the East Harlem community it serves. We extend our thanks to Gilbane and NYC EDC for the opportunity to contribute, and a special thank you to the Gramercy team whose hard work and commitment helped make it a success. Together, we’re helping to build a more resilient city — one project at a time.