The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off is a major expansion on Governors Island. The $140 million project will double the school’s campus size, adding new classrooms, a competition-sized swimming pool, a gymnasium, and specialized laboratories that will enhance the school’s focus on maritime and environmental education.

The expansion is aimed at preparing students for the growing green job market, especially in fields like clean energy, climate technology, and sustainable maritime industries.

The project is a key component of New York City’s broader vision for a “Harbor of the Future,” an initiative launched earlier this year to transform the city’s waterfront into a hub for green innovation and economic development.

“The expansion of the Harbor School will provide students with the training and resources they need to thrive in green industries that will drive New York City’s economy forward,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “From offshore wind energy to climate technology, this investment is about ensuring that our young people have the skills to build the sustainable economy of tomorrow.”

The new facilities will include renovations to Building 555, a landmark structure dating back to 1938, adding 32,000 sq. ft. of classroom space. The project will add 445 new student seats, supported by funding from the City Council and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office.

“The Harbor School is a unique educational resource that combines hands-on training with a focus on environmental stewardship,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “This expansion will enhance our ability to provide students with the tools and skills needed to become the next generation of leaders in the maritime and environmental fields.”

The Harbor School offers a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on the city’s maritime legacy and environmental responsibility. Through partnerships with organizations like the Billion Oyster Project, the school provides students with real-world learning experiences in and around New York Harbor.

The expanded campus will feature additional career-technical training and research spaces, designed to support students preparing for green jobs in maritime industries and environmental sciences. The school is expected to welcome students into its new facilities in the 2026-2027 school year.

This expansion is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ broader efforts to develop Governors Island as a center for climate education and innovation. In April 2023, the Trust for Governors Island and the city unveiled the New York Climate Exchange, a transformative project that will establish a $700 million campus for climate research, education, and green technology. The New York Climate Exchange, set to open in 2028, will be a major resource for New Yorkers looking to enter the green economy.

“Governors Island continues to demonstrate the power of education, research, and industry working together to foster good jobs and sustainable growth,” said Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “The Harbor School expansion, alongside the broader initiatives on the island, will create even more opportunities for students to become the environmental leaders of tomorrow.”

Credits: New York Construction Report