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Of all the things that fashion royalty can buy, Diane von Furstenberg has chosen what appears to be a post-apocalyptic island refuge on the Hudson River. The Post reports that the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation has donated more than $100 million to build Pier 55, an insane public park off of West 13th Street.
Though it isn't expected to be open for visitors until late 2018 or early 2019, once completed, Pier 55 will feature actual rolling hills, as well as a 700-seat amphitheater within its 2.7 acres. It'll be accessible by two public walkways extending from the West Street esplanade. Plus, the plan's already got backing from Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio.
"We are deeply appreciative of the generosity of great New Yorkers like Mr. Diller and Ms. von Furstenberg, without whom this visionary project would not have been possible," de Blasio told the paper. Compared to the moneybags that the foundation is dropping, the city is only putting in a mere $17 million to fund the park.
"New York has always reminded me of Venice, so I am happy the time has come to properly honor its waterways," von Furstenberg explained. Below, a better look at those rolling hills:
· Pier 55 Gets $100M Bid to Create an 'Island Oasis' [NY Post]
· Coming Soon [Racked NY]
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