Officially opened July 14th, 2011 phase one of the East River Waterfront Esplanade was completed stretching two blocks north from Wall Street to Maiden Lane. Part of Mayor Bloomberg’s Vision for Lower Manhattan, the Waterfront Esplanade is set to revitalize "a once neglected two-mile stretch of City-owned land along the water’s edge from the tip of Lower Manhattan to East River Park north of the Manhattan Bridge”.

The esplanade embraces its “maritime character and history of the area” through unique design features that takes the waterfront experience to a whole new level. Rather than a grand scale waterfront with stretching boardwalks to attract tourists, the design elements form intimate spaces creating a cozier environment.