MUD Workshop

Design + Planning


Sherman Creek Concept Design




The Sherman Creek plan reconnects upland neighborhoods to a long-inaccessible stretch of the Harlem River by clarifying routes, opening new access points, adding new community-centric program along the waterfront, and restoring shoreline habitats. The framework links existing parks and fills a critical gap in Manhattan’s waterfront network and east-side greenway. 

ProjectSherman Creek Concept Design

LocationManhattan, NY

ClientNYC Economic Development Corporation

CollaboratorsWXY, Civitas, Inc., eDesign Dynamics, Halcrow, GRB Environmental Services, Inc., Philip Habib & Associates, VJ Associates, ETM Associates, L.L.C.

ServicesClimate-Adaptive Design, Visioning, Outreach and Engagement, Waterfronts, Public Space Design, Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning



Site Constraints


The Sherman Creek Waterfront Esplanade Plan, commissioned by the NYC Economic Development Corporation, set out to revitalize the long-derelict northern section of the Harlem River waterfront at the upper tip of Manhattan. For decades, this stretch of industrial shoreline had been inaccessible to the public; it is sandwiched between the elevated 1-Train, MTA’s 207th  St Rail Yard, ConED substations, parking lots, and distribution warehouses.

Transit Constraints and Opportunities


Vision for Creating Continuity and Community


Sherman Creek Cohesive Vision


As Project Manager and Senior Designer, MUD Workshop founder Shachi Pandey guided an interdisciplinary team—spanning planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and marine, civil, and environmental engineering—through an intensive 20-month engagement and design process. More than 45 meetings, including public workshops, site walkthroughs, focus groups, and individual interviews with residents, capital agencies, businesses, and community leaders shaped four guiding principles: continuity, community-centered programming, coexistence, and sustainability.

The resulting Esplanade Plan proposed linking existing pocket parks along the water’s edge, introducing new recreational uses, planting wetlands and salt marshes, ensuring safe, continuous waterfront access for the surrounding residents of Inwood, while maintaining the industrial and commercial functions that remain central to the local economy. At the regional scale, the plan completed a missing link in Manhattan’s Greenway, strengthening north–south connectivity along the Harlem River.


Sherman Creek Proposed Experiences


Sherman Creek Proposed Experiences


Sherman Creek Proposed Experiences


Sherman Creek Proposed Experiences


Sherman Creek Proposed Experiences



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Sherman Creek Waterfront Plan
Transit Constraints and Opportunities
Vision for Creating Continuity and Community
Sherman Creek Cohesive Vision
Sherman Creek Experience-Wetland Walk
Sherman Creek Experience-Fitness Play
Sherman Creek Experience-Pebble Beach
Sherman Creek Experience-Riverwalk
Sherman Creek Experience-Boat Launch


Related Projects
Suffolk County, Long Island, NY
Suffolk County Blueway Trail Plan
Manhattan, NY
East River Blueway
Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City 2040




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