Do fresh renderings of the piers at Hudson River Park still have the ability to tantalize the senses? Meh. After years?years?of planning and discussion and controversy and votes and planning and discussion and controversy and votes, Pier 40 at Houston Street is back to square one. And Pier 57, at 15th Street up in Chelsea, was set to be the Italian village Leonardo, but that too was derailed. The commercial development of these piers is needed to pump revenue into Hudson River Park, so we must try, try again. As previously mentioned, three developers?Related Companies, Young Woo & Associates, and a partnership between the Durst Organization and C&K Properties?are now vying for Pier 57. Today the companies unveil their proposals, and the Times has an early peek at the renderings (above) and details. Think Pier 57 will never happen? Then stop right here! Those holding out hope, read on for all the fun facts.
The $330 million Durst/C&K proposal is a live-music venue and restaurant with a separate marketplace featuring small shops, cafes, food stalls and boutiques. The Children's Museum of Manhattan has expressed interest in joining this plan. There would be a small pier on the north side, and docks for boats on the south side. The rooftop "pleasure garden" would have mini-golf and other amusements. Durst "likens its proposed public spaces to the Greenmarket at Union Square and to Rockefeller Center."
Youngwoo & Associates' $191 million proposal includes a new home for the Phillips de Pury & Company auction house and a contemporary cultural center consisting of art galleries and concert space. Also, a large public market that's compared to Pike Place in Seattle, and a large rooftop hall that would present events year-round but would also be a theater for the Tribeca Film Festival. And here's a fun bit: an "underwater discovery center" with exhibits about the Hudson River estuary.
And as for the Related Companies, chased off of Pier 40 by Mario Batali and friends, its $353 million proposal also has a Pike Place-like open market and large theater, which Sundance Films has expressed interest in. Also, a rooftop pool and cafe, restaurants, a 91-slip marina, an education center, and a big event space that includes a ballroom. All three proposals feature parking and public access to the waterfront.
· Hudson River Park Board Weighs Proposals for 15th Street Pier Development [NYT]
· Pier 57 coverage [Curbed]
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