Unisphere, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.
Multi-discipline foundation investigation and restoration around one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks.
Investigating the foundation of a New York City landmark while keeping the park active around it.
The Unisphere is one of the most recognizable structures in New York City — a 1964 World's Fair landmark that anchors Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Any work in this footprint operates under exceptional public visibility.
The restoration program required physical verification of the original timber pile foundation, geotechnical data for design, monitoring wells for long-term groundwater tracking, and a parallel non-destructive testing program on the structure itself. Several test pits had to reach depths that required engineered shoring to keep the excavations safe and stable.
And through all of it, the park needed to stay functional — visitors, runners, and programming continued while the field work progressed.
Five field disciplines, one operational team, one landmark footprint.
Test pits located the timber piles supporting the Unisphere foundation, with shoring systems designed and installed for the deeper excavations. Geotechnical borings captured the subsurface profile across the site. Monitoring wells were installed to support ongoing groundwater tracking through the restoration program.
In parallel, Seylone supported the non-destructive testing program on the structure — coordinating access, timing, and protective measures so the NDT team could work around the active field program without conflict.
Paver restoration closed out every opening. Matching existing paver patterns — not patching — is the standard a landmark site demands. Site protection protocols kept the park active and visitors safe through every phase.
Foundation verified. Subsurface data delivered. Park preserved. Pavers restored to match.
The test pit program gave the design team physical verification of the Unisphere's timber pile foundation. Geotechnical borings and monitoring wells filled out the rest of the subsurface picture. The NDT program completed on schedule with Seylone's support.
Paver restoration closed out the site to landmark-grade condition. Throughout the program, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park remained active and safe for the public — a standard the site demands and the kind of outcome NYC Parks expects.
Other recent work.
Sack Wern Houses · PACT Modernization.
Multi-discipline subsurface investigation supporting one of the Bronx's largest PACT modernization programs.
St. Nicholas Park · 136th Street Staircase.
Subsurface investigation and bluestone tread restoration supporting reconstruction of a historic Harlem park staircase.
Liberty Landing · Bayview Correctional Redevelopment.
Interior test pit excavation supporting the adaptive reuse of a Sandy-shuttered Manhattan correctional facility.
