A forward-thinking retrofit of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) Fan Plant (FP) 7204, in Long Island City, provided resiliency of this essential infrastructure facility so it could withstand a major storm, but it also achieved so much more. The innovative design solution combined structural logic with contextual sensitivity, creating an aesthetically appealing structure integrated seamlessly into the surrounding community.

Fan plants are critical components of the New York City subway system. Located at the ends of tunnels running underneath the East River, they provide passive ventilation for the subway, enabling the piston action of moving trains to pull fresh air down into the tunnels below. In addition, in the event of a fire in the tunnels, the plants’ massive fans serve to draw smoke out, giving people time to escape. FP 7204 also serves as an emergency egress for the public, providing an escape route from the tunnels during an emergency event.

The ultimate goal of the fan plant retrofit was to implement resiliency solutions to ensure that the facility would operate effectively during, and after, major storm events. Extensive renovations and comprehensive flood protection measures were required to fortify FP 7204 against a Category 2 storm surge plus 3 feet.

Due to the critical nature of the facility, NYCT could not shut down FP 7204 for an extended time during the retrofit project, or demolish it to build a replacement. Even with these constraints, creative design enabled the successful delivery of significant plant upgrades that achieved all resiliency requirements with minimal disruption to subway operations while greatly enhancing the quality of life for local neighborhood residents.

As a result of this project, critical transportation infrastructure will be protected from future storm events and continuously provide comfort and safety to city residents and visitors for the next 50 years. Working closely with MTA NYCT and third-party stakeholders, the design team developed context-sensitive solutions that greatly bolster system resiliency—while also creating a look and feel that enhances the plant’s surrounding neighborhood. The end result improves livability and the quality of life in the local community.