The landscape design for the St. Augustine Terrace aimed to reveal the site’s natural and cultural history. 

The site of the former St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, constructed in 1894 and demolished in 2013, posed significant cultural and topographic challenges. Effort was made by the design team to incorporate artifacts from the church, including the bell and foundation stone. Additionally, following demolition of the church, bedrock was discovered. The design team encouraged ownership to celebrate this geological discovery rather than remove it, resulting in a dramatic entry experience.

The result is a handsome building, perched on a hill, surrounded by lush pockets of planting, an overlook with dramatic views of the sunset, and private areas for reflection and respite.

Images by: Terrain-NYC Landscape Architecture