Armand Corp. breaks ground on fourth NYC park restroom site

Armand Corporation says construction has started at Brookville Park in Queens, the fourth site in a five-location effort to build new public restrooms across New York City parks. The project is expected to improve access, durability and accessibility for park visitors, with all five sites targeted for substantial completion by December 2026.

Why it matters: - New public restrooms can improve access and comfort in high-traffic parks across New York City. - The project is designed to add ADA-accessible facilities with durable features for long-term use. - The work also expands opportunity for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises in city infrastructure delivery.

What happened: - Armand Corporation says construction is underway at Brookville Park in Queens, marking the fourth site in its multi-site restroom initiative. - The Brookville Park groundbreaking took place Wednesday, Sept. 16, with New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa, Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam, Councilmember Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Community Board 13, the Rosedale Civic Association and the Rosedale Jets Football Team in attendance. - The design-build contract covers five public restroom buildings at Murphy Brothers Playground, East River Park, Kissena Park, Van Cortlandt Park and Brookville Park. - Construction is currently underway at all five sites.

The details: - The project is delivered under a design-build contract with the New York City Department of Design and Construction and is sponsored by NYC Parks. - Each restroom building 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 support long-term resilience and improve the park experience for visitors. - Armand Corporation is delivering the project in partnership with INFOTRAN Engineers & Architects, P.C. - The team is working with NYCDDC, NYC Parks and community stakeholders to shape each facility for its setting and surrounding neighborhoods. - The company says the project is a milestone because Armand Corporation is the first minority- and woman-owned firm awarded a Design-Build contract by NYCDDC. - Barbara A. Armand, founder, president and CEO of Armand Corporation, said the project reflects the team’s commitment to community-focused infrastructure. - The project supports NYCDDC’s effort to expand opportunities for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. - Armand Corporation was founded in 1991 and is celebrating 35 years of service. - The company describes itself as independently owned, woman-owned and minority-owned. - The firm’s multidisciplinary team includes construction managers, inspectors, engineers, schedulers and project controls professionals. - Armand says its work ranges from $500,000 to more than $1.2 billion. - Armand Corporation’s website is here. - The company also listed social media pages on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The city is pairing a basic public amenity with broader policy goals around faster delivery, accessibility and supplier diversity. - The use of design-build suggests the agencies want to speed up delivery compared with more traditional construction procurement. - The milestone for Armand Corporation adds symbolic weight because the award highlights a minority- and woman-owned firm in a city infrastructure role.

What's next: - Armand Corporation expects substantial completion across all five sites by December 2026. - The city will continue advancing the remaining restroom buildings as construction progresses.