Part 2 of 5 – Building the Foundation

As the project progressed, sections of the existing seawall were carefully removed to make way for the new stone revetment. Throughout the process, OCC maintained constant protection of the property against the Hudson’s rough waters, ensuring stability and safety at every stage.

From the start, OCC salvaged all usable stone from the original structure. Additional stone was sourced from local quarries to complete the rebuild. When matching the exact type and color of the old stone proved impossible, OCC found a creative solution—sorting and blending the reclaimed and new materials to create a visually consistent, natural mosaic across the entire shoreline.

Sorting and positioning stones that weigh between three and five tons may not be the fastest method, but it’s the right one. This attention to form, function, and beauty defines every OCC project. It’s not just the best way—it’s the OCC way.
You might ask, “Why five parts for one project?” The answer is simple—details. At OCC, we believe the details tell the real story. They show the craftsmanship, the precision, and the care that set our work apart. Skipping over them would mean missing the essence of what makes OCC different. This phase of the Hudson River project offers a close look at those finer elements, including chinking and the installation of granite waterside steps.

By Part 3, most of the heavy lifting was complete, and the focus shifted to the intricate finishing work. One of the most impressive tasks was constructing a tapered natural base and setting massive granite steps that lead down to the river—a challenging process that required both strength and precision.

Equally important was the chinking stage. Chinking is the meticulous, hands-on process of fitting smaller stones to lock larger foundation stones securely in place. Some of these “small” stones can weigh over 100 pounds and must be carefully placed or even hammered in to ensure tight interlocking. Over time, as the revetment settles, these stones help the entire structure strengthen and stabilize.