Coastal Engineering just released a video titled "Sandwich Marina Renaissance: Redeveloping Waterfront into a First-Class Facility". This is the first documentary in the upcoming series of short films diving deep into the creative process behind some of our most interesting recent projects.
Why we do what we do? The answer is in our mission statement: to provide solutions to benefit our clients and community. In case of Sandwich Marina, Coastal Engineering and Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber Architects reclaimed and transformed the underutilized site to establish it as a safe and attractive destination. The Marina improved its coastal resiliency, and the community got a stronger Blue Economy sector - win/win!
The Sandwich Marina, which sits on the eastern side of the Cape Cod Canal, is one of the busiest marinas in Massachusetts and is home to a large commercial fishing fleet. The old pile-supported marina office frequently flooded during nor’easter storms, necessitating the need for a new facility. Coastal Engineering Co. provided full scope civil and structural engineering, environmental permitting, construction bid and contract administration.
The new office and garage are sited near Sandwich Marina boat ramp, allowing the Harbormaster a panoramic view from a second story office, while affording boaters convenient access to the Harbormaster facility. The marina playground that formerly occupied the building site was relocated closer to the canal. The parking lot was realigned and new walkways were added to provide full handicap accessibility to the facility. Because the building is located in a flood zone, it was designed to higher wind standards, elevated above flood elevation and properly secured to sustain hurricane force winds. Roof runoff is routed into dry wells for groundwater recharge on the site. The town also wanted a year-round restroom facility, so a new sewage disposal system was designed. Vegetation was planted as a buffer on the coastal bank.
"Having spent a summer in the new facility, we find that it is very attractive to both boaters AND visitors. A wrap around porch at the harbormaster building provides an opportunity for visitors to sit and take in the quintessential maritime Cape Cod vistas, while fishermen find the new location, bathrooms, parking, and the garage very convenient. We have had many people mention that they enjoy being here, and our staff loves it, too!" says the harbormaster John Kondratowicz.