Armand starts work on five NYC park restrooms

Armand Corporation has begun construction on a five-site public restroom program in New York City parks under a design-build contract with the city’s Department of Design and Construction, with the first two facilities already underway in Manhattan. The project is set to improve accessibility and park amenities across five borough sites, with completion expected by December 2026.

Why it matters: - The project adds new public restrooms to high-traffic parks across New York City, addressing a basic but persistent visitor need. - The design-build approach is intended to speed delivery of durable, ADA-accessible facilities. - The contract also marks a milestone for minority- and woman-owned business participation in city infrastructure work.

What happened: - Armand Corporation announced construction has started on a multi-site public restroom initiative under a design-build contract with the New York City Department of Design and Construction, sponsored by NYC Parks. - Work is underway on the first two facilities at East River Park and Murphy Brothers Playground in Manhattan. - A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday, June 26, at Murphy Brothers Playground. - Speakers at the ceremony included NYCDDC Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa, NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Assemblymember Keith Powers, Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Community Board 6 Chair Sandra McKee.

The details: - The project includes five public restroom buildings at Murphy Brothers Playground, East River Park, Kissena Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Brookville Park. - Each facility is designed around site-specific needs. - Planned features include energy-efficient systems, natural ventilation, PV-paneled roofs, and high-durability, low-maintenance materials. - The facilities are intended to improve long-term resilience and the park experience for visitors. - Armand Corporation is delivering the project with INFOTRAN Engineers & Architects, P.C. - The team is working with NYCDDC, NYC Parks, and community stakeholders to tailor each facility to its surroundings. - DDC Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa said the agency is using design-build to deliver durable, ADA-accessible public restroom buildings faster. - Ochoa also said the project supports M/WBE participation by partnering with InfoTran Engineers & Architects, P.C., a minority business enterprise, and Armand Construction Corp., a minority woman-owned business.

Between the lines: - Armand Corporation said the project underscores its community-focused infrastructure strategy and its role in serving multiple boroughs. - The award is notable because Armand Corporation is the first minority- and woman-owned firm to receive a Design-Build contract from NYCDDC. - The city is using the project to expand opportunities for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.

What's next: - Construction at Kissena Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Brookville Park is expected to begin within the next month. - Substantial completion across all five sites is expected by December 2026. - Armand Corporation’s website is More information.

The bottom line: - New York City is moving to add five modern public restrooms in parks, while also advancing a notable MWBE milestone in city capital work.