Shopping Mall Removal Sparks District Revitalization

By Nichole Altmix 

In an attempt to eliminate the disconnect between the dilapidated, touristy Pier 17 and the Lower Manhattan community, Chicago-based developers General Growth Properties have unveiled a plan to revitalize the South Street Seaport area.

Designed by SHoP Architects of New York, the new Seaport will include an extension of the downtown street grid onto the pier for pedestrian use which will replace the current mall, rehabilitation of pier and platform infrastructure, over 3.5 acres of public open space, open site lines to the Brooklyn Bridge and New York Harbor as well as expanded water-transit access. The master plan also calls for four, two-story retail buildings, additional retail in buildings across the pier, a boutique-style department store, two hotels and residential space.

According to GGP, by working with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the plan will “completely preserve” the Seaport’s historic fabric by restoring the landmark Tin Building, rebuilding the former fish market, enhancing the cultural and event spaces, preserving existing structures and adding seasonal programming at Fulton Market Building and Cannon’s Walk. “Pier 17 sits at a critical juncture of two of the city's most important and exciting projects—the East River Waterfront and Fulton Corridor Revitalization,” said New York City Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber. “Investment in a re-imagined Seaport would further enhance Lower Manhattan’s resurgence and expand on the success of a growing adjacent residential neighborhood.” The new Seaport will be incorporated into and add three acres to the in-progress East River Esplanade project, which was also designed by SHoP Architects.

Economic impact was also factored into the recently-unveiled proposal. GGP estimates that the project would create approximately 5,750 full-time jobs during construction and 2,100 permanent jobs by 2017. GGP anticipates the construction phase will create $1.4 billion in economic activity.

The New Seaport will also contribute approximately $33 million in project-related revenue and generate approximately $23 million per year in taxes to the city. “General Growth’s plan reintegrates the Seaport back into the fabric of downtown, offering amenities and more open space to the community while generating new jobs and economic activity that will benefit the whole region,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and chief executive officer of the Partnership for New York City, who is working with GGP as an avid supporter of the proposal.

Project teams will be pursuing LEED Silver certification on the entire site.

General Growth Properties acquired Seaport in 2004 and released the proposal on June 18, 2008. The master plan will be reviewed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in the fall, and subsequently, will be evaluated under the Uniform Land Use Review Process in Spring 2009. If approved, the developers anticipate breaking ground in 2010 with a four year constructions schedule to follow.

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