ONONDAGA LAKE MARINA IMPROVEMENTS, Syracuse, NY
Project Overview
The Onondaga Lake Marina Improvements project modernizes and revitalizes a key recreational asset within Onondaga Lake Park. The County engaged NKB to address aging infrastructure, expand marina capacity, and enhance safety, accessibility, and user experience. The project balances functional upgrades with environmental stewardship, delivering a resilient marina that supports recreational boating, public access, and long-term operational performance.
Under an A/E term agreement supporting Onondaga County's needs, NKB is serving as the prime firm for planning and designing solutions to structural issues affecting the deteriorated marina break walls, along with electrical and site improvements. The team is carefully conducting work to avoid disrupting park or marina operations, phasing the project accordingly. Services included hazardous materials inspection, cost-effective evaluation of restoration versus replacement, design development, budget estimates, construction document preparation, and solicitation support. For MEP/FP services, NKB partnered with RAM-TECH Engineers, PC.
Key challenges included a failing original stone seawall requiring replacement; maintaining marina operations while planning phased improvements; complex permitting and coordination with multiple regulatory agencies; marina sedimentation removals increasing water depth, requiring dewatering and dredging/excavation; demolition and replacement of the existing restroom building for improved amenities and ADA accessibility; and integrating new utilities and other amenities within an active waterfront park.
Our team developed a comprehensive, constructible design approach that coordinates architectural, civil, structural, and environmental systems to modernize the marina holistically. The solution emphasizes the reuse of existing aluminum dockage where feasible, strategic reconfiguration of slip layouts to increase capacity, and durable waterfront structures designed for longevity. Early cost estimating, agency coordination, and code-compliant detailing supported a smooth public bidding and future construction process.
Services
Architecture
Structural Engineering
Client
Onondaga County, NY
Key Project Elements
Seawall Reconstruction
Marina Reconfiguration
Dockage Expansion & Access
Utility Upgrades
Dredging/Excavation Improvements
ADA Accessibility
New Restroom Building