Armajani's work is as layered with meaning as the Wallace Stevens' poem he incorporated into it. From Armajani's Tower, the esplanade extension is waymarked with large red buoys along a pedestrian pathway between the comparatively new Ferry Maintenance Facility and the long-empty historic buildings. The continuous roar from the exhaust grills at the rear of the maitenance building indicates the building's architect did not take into account the site's future development. Despite the din, it's an interesting walk. The historic buildings are secured behind black wire fences, like evocative subjects awaiting a latter-day Piranesi.
Slate shingles slide off mansard roofs.
Through sashless windows, one can glimpse high-ceilinged rooms and staircases with decorative risers. Landscape architect Donna Walcavage has transformed an interesting space into a place to spend time. An array of securely anchored celadon green benches, chairs and tables offer spots to chat or read or picnic or play chess. Nearly three dozen honey locust trees promise future shade. Granite slabs edge the planting beds and afford additional seating, while beautiful stacks of the pale pink granite offer children something to climb and everyone, another option for sitting in the sun.