Water Street Park in Wilmington, NC, sits in the heart of downtown along the river’s edge and occupies the site of a former berthing area for the USCGC Diligence. The site also contributes to the 1.75-mile Riverwalk pedestrian amenity along the river downtown. This location is prone to flooding during storm and tidal overlaps, prompting thoughtful design interventions.
The new design enhances the adjacent historic federal courthouse through a series of pedestrian-friendly improvements and environmental upgrades. Conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians have been minimized, while native shade trees have been introduced to enhance the area’s greenery. A stormwater filtration zone has also been created, providing essential greenspace in the downtown environment.
In homage to the site’s Coast Guard heritage, the benches are uniquely designed in a Morse code pattern that spells out “ILM,” the transportation code for the city. During flood events, these benches become the only visible horizontal elements, drawing attention to the Morse code and further connecting the plaza to its historical and environmental significance.
