Governor Cuomo released the design for the memorial for the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, which will be sited at the curved overlook at the end of Chambers Street on River Terrace. Puerto Rico-based architect Segundo Cardona and artist Antonio Martorell will design and build the memorial, which will be completed by spring 2021.

The design is an ascending glass spiral meant to evoke both a hurricane and a shell, which the artists considered a symbol of protection. At the top of the spiral is a rotating star taken from the Puerto Rican flag. The glass panels, painted by Matrorell, include the poem “Farewell from Welfare Island” by Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos, written when she was living in New York City. It is the only work she ever wrote in English.

The Hurricane Maria Memorial Commission received 120 submissions for designs and were instructed to design for that site or the outer corner of the park on the river; the total cost is approximately $700,000.