Challenge
In 2017, Hurricane Irma severely damaged the Cocoa Village waterfront, leaving behind damaged docks, unstable shorelines, and degraded infrastructure. The City of Cocoa and its Community Redevelopment Agency needed to address urgent disaster recovery while also taking the opportunity to create a vision for the future. In addition to stabilizing and repairing the immediate damage, they aimed to rebuild the waterfront as a thriving, resilient destination that would support long-term economic viability and be better equipped to survive future storms.
Solution
HR Green provided a phased, technically focused approach that combined emergency recovery with long-term planning and design:
Shoreline Stabilization
- Conducted in-house hydrographic surveys and developed design plans to stabilize approximately 900 linear feet of shoreline
- Installed filter cloth and rip rap to restore storm-damaged banks while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations to protect water quality and vegetation
- Coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for permitting and with FEMA to meet federal requirements for disaster recovery funding
T-Dock and Day Slips Replacement
- Designed two new floating concrete day slips a concrete T-dock supported by fixed piers
- Incorporated aluminum gangways, new landings, water and electrical utilities, lighting, and stainless-steel safety railings
- Engineered for hurricane resistance, with vertical movement features to accommodate tidal surges
Promenade and Boardwalk Enhancements
- Repaired and upgraded 675 linear feet of the riverfront boardwalk
- Replaced wooden overlooks with cast-in-place concrete supported by concrete piles for improved durability
- Reinforced the existing seawall with new tiebacks, added scenic walls, upgraded utilities, and integrated a new reuse irrigation system
Master Planning and Community Engagement
- Developed a conceptual plan covering waterfront edges, pedestrian promenade, and public spaces from Church Street to Harrison Street and through Lee Wenner Park
- Conducted public meetings and strategic sessions with the City and community stakeholders to evaluate and rank candidate projects
Benefit
The danger and repair expenses from future storm events were decreased by rebuilding vital infrastructure, such as boardwalks, shorelines, and docks, to resist hurricanes and tidal surges. At the same time, additional features like improved promenades, overlooks, lighting, and recreational facilities made the area safer and more appealing to both locals and tourists. By boosting tourism, assisting downtown companies, and offering updated boating amenities, the restored waterfront also boosts the local economy.
The revised master plan offers the City a clear path for progressive development, while also addressing immediate physical improvements, assuring that future upgrades align with community priorities and budgetary constraints. The project not only restored what Hurricane Irma had damaged, but transformed the Cocoa Village waterfront into a safer, more resilient, and vibrant destination for the community and its visitors.
