Tin Building (SHoP Architects)
Over the past 200 years, the South Street Seaport ("the Seaport") has made a remarkable evolution from commercial hub and home of the Fulton Fish Market to a bustling retail and culinary destination for tourists and locals alike. Indeed, when celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten ("Jean-Georges") arrived in New York in the late 1980s, the first place he visited was the fish market. Approximately 36 years later, he is at the helm of The Tin Building, the new food hall/marketplace developed in partnership with Howard Hughes Corporation and housed in one of only two surviving structures from the fish market's heyday.
A project ten years in the works, it took a painstaking disassemblage and relocation, not to mention a few trips before the Landmarks Preservation Commission ("Landmarks"). However, the building is now located further inland and on higher ground to protect from flooding, and showcases richly appointed interiors by Roman & Williams.
After limited preview hours earlier this summer, The Tin Building is officially open to the public after a "chef parade" led by a drumline and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Jean-Georges, Howard Hughes Corporation CEO David O'Reilly, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and NYC Economic Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Melissa Román Burch, who points out that it will create over 750 new jobs in addition to attracting locals and tourists alike. The grand opening ceremony attracted such notable guests as Brooke Shields, Martha Stewart, Questlove, Dorinda Medley, Luann de Lesseps, Carol Radziwill, Fern Mallis, Anne Burrell, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
A project ten years in the works, it took a painstaking disassemblage and relocation, not to mention a few trips before the Landmarks Preservation Commission ("Landmarks"). However, the building is now located further inland and on higher ground to protect from flooding, and showcases richly appointed interiors by Roman & Williams.
After limited preview hours earlier this summer, The Tin Building is officially open to the public after a "chef parade" led by a drumline and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Jean-Georges, Howard Hughes Corporation CEO David O'Reilly, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and NYC Economic Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Melissa Román Burch, who points out that it will create over 750 new jobs in addition to attracting locals and tourists alike. The grand opening ceremony attracted such notable guests as Brooke Shields, Martha Stewart, Questlove, Dorinda Medley, Luann de Lesseps, Carol Radziwill, Fern Mallis, Anne Burrell, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
(l-r) Melissa Roman Burch, David O'Reilly, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Mark Levine (Tin Building)
In this article:
House of the Red Pearl
Seeds & Weeds
Frenchman's Dough
T Brasserie
Fine dining offerings in The Tin Building include:
- The House of the Red Pearl, a high-end Chinese restaurant that the New York Post's Steve Cuozzo calls the building's "breakout star"
- T. Brasserie, a Belle Époque-style French bistro
- Shikku, an intimate, 19-seat sushi and sake restaurant
- Seeds & Weeds, a plant-based restaurant positioned to make the most of Brooklyn Bridge views
- Fulton Fish Co., a seafood dining counter with a full raw bar
- The Frenchman’s Dough, an Italian restaurant with French influences on its handmade pastas and pizzas
T Cafe
Double Yolk
Taquito
The Cocktail Bar
The Tin Building's more casual options include:
- T Cafe, a coffee bar with freshly baked pastries and outdoor seating
- Double Yolk, which serves breakfast sandwiches in the morning and caviar after 5:00 p.m.
- Crepes and Dosas, whose offerings include Indian dosas and sweet and savory French crepes
- Taquito, a Mexican taqueria with signature dishes and made-to-order tacos
- The Wine Bar, which offers a diverse selection of wines from France, California, and the Finger Lakes
- The Cocktail Bar, featuring a menu that nods to Jean-Georges' French and Asian influences
- Beer Here!, with all beers on tap and in bottles or cans hand-picked by Jean-Georges
Mercantile East
Mercantile West
Spoiled Parrot
In addition to the various eateries, The Tin Building will offer a wide range of retail options. These include:
- Central Market, a locally sourced grocery store with daily rotating, sustainably sourced meats, seafood, cheeses, produce, and ready-to-eat items
- Mercantile, a dry goods shop offering a new range of Jean-Georges-branded products, a custom line of spices in partnership with Lior Lev Sercarz’s La Boite, and the zero-carbon Vitzali Coffee
- Mercantile East, an Asian food boutique
- Spoiled Parrot, a carefully curated sweetshop with an ice cream counter, exclusive partnerships with Jacques Torres and Fritz Knipschildt, chocolates by Jean-Georges, and a focus on local and global purveyors
"I'm so proud to be part of the rebirth of Downtown Manhattan's Seaport District" - Jean-Georges Vongerichten
The Tin Building, September 2022 (CityRealty)
The Tin Building marks the latest chapter in the Seaport's renaissance. Not only did Lower Manhattan tourism take a hit following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, but the area was devastated in the wake of Superstorm Sandy nearly 10 years ago. However, Howard Hughes Corporation used the latter as an opportunity to look at the site as a whole and carefully consider how to rebuild it back. As a result, the somewhat dingy mall has been replaced with Pier 17, home of multiple high-end restaurants and a popular concert venue. The design by SHoP Architects includes a system of glass panels that slide down to protect the interior spaces in the event of bad weather and strong winds.
Up the block from Pier 17, retailers like Scotch & Soda and McNally Jackson Books have set up shop in the historic stores lining the cobblestone streets. Additionally, on the streets surrounding the SSeaport, a number of former industrial buildings have been transformed into historically appealing yet modernly appointed apartments.
It is important to note that none of the changes to the Seaport come at the expense of the buildings and streetscapes dating back as far as the 18th century. Much of the area is within the boundaries of the South Street Seaport Historic District, which means that new construction may not proceed as quickly as in some parts of the city. However, that is not to say that new development is not on the horizon. We take a look at new projects in the works, as well as beautiful listings in the area.
Tin Building installation
Coming Soon
250 Water Street
Developed by Howard Hughes Corporation | Design by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
26 stories | 270 units
Completion TBD
Rendering of 250 Water Street (Howard Hughes Corporation)
Over the past 25 years, Landmarks has reportedly rejected nine different proposals for the parking lot at 250 Water Street – these include, but are not limited to, a 28-story office building, a single tower measuring 990 feet high, and a pair of 38-story residential towers rising from a six-story podium. However, the building that ultimately won out is set to feature a five-story podium for office, retail, and community space with a 26-story tower on top. Of the 270 rental apartments inside (as opposed to the sales units in an earlier proposal), 70 will be set aside as affordable units. As a thermometer factory previously stood on the site, remediation is now in the works. The groundbreaking is expected to take place later this year.
Another project that has often been mentioned in the same sentence as 250 Water Street is the South Street Seaport Museum, which opened a decade before the historic district's designation and played a key role in revitalizing the area. One proposal for 250 Water Street called for a new building for the museum in addition to the new tower; while preservationists were unmoved, everyone could agree on the importance of the museum to the neighborhood. In the end, the museum sold its air rights for $40 million, and the city pledged an additional $10 million to the museum.
140 Fulton Street
Developed by Hidrock | Design by Stonehill Taylor
40 stories | 286 rooms
Completion TBD
Between Mr. C. Seaport, the AC by Marriott Downtown, and Hotel Indigo Downtown, the area surrounding the Seaport has undergone a hospitality renaissance in recent years as well. Another entrant is planned for 140 Fulton Street; permits for a hotel were filed in April 2019, and Hilton's new lifestyle brand Tempo by Hilton was expected to be the tenant. But between the pandemic and financial issues, progress slowed to a halt. Most recently, The Real Deal announced that the project is facing foreclosure.
The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan
Developed by NYC Economic Development Council and Mayor's Office of Climate Resiliency | Design by Scape Studio
Completion TBD
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Renderings of Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan (Scape Studio)
In the years following Superstorm Sandy, waterfront construction all over the city has gone up with new building codes in place and resilient design features. However, as the Seaport area was hit especially hard, the city is going much further to protect it. In 2013, Mayor Bloomberg laid out a vision for “Seaport City,” a new neighborhood built on landfill from the Lower East Side to Battery Park. Mr. Bloomberg noted that the similarly built Battery Park City fared much better than the Seaport during the storm, and the NYC Economic Development Corporation ("NYC EDC") found that while the idea was complicated, it was feasible.
More recently, in December 2021, the NYC EDC and the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency released the FiDi and Seaport Climate Resilience Plan following months of virtual workshops and community meetings. This encompasses one mile of waterfront from The Battery to the Brooklyn Bridge, putting the Seaport squarely in the middle, and is distinguished by a multi-level waterfront that extends the East River shoreline by up to 200 feet.
The upper level will be elevated by 15-18 feet to protect from storms, and double as public open spaces with beautiful views. The lower level is to be raised three to five feet to protect from rising sea levels, and will serve as a continuous waterfront esplanade. Additional features are to include new public open space, a new pump station, green infrastructure, resilient terminals for all ferries, resilient piers for docking historic ships like Wavertree and Ambrose, coves that promote habitat restoration, floodwalls buried in the landscape that create a line of protective ridges.
The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Plan is estimated to cost $5-$7 billion. However, it is important to note that if no action is taken, repetitive flooding is projected to cost $20 billion in losses to the region from now until 2100. The plan was released in the waning days of the de Blasio administration, but Mayor Adams has yet to comment on it.
The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Plan is estimated to cost $5-$7 billion. However, it is important to note that if no action is taken, repetitive flooding is projected to cost $20 billion in losses to the region from now until 2100. The plan was released in the waning days of the de Blasio administration, but Mayor Adams has yet to comment on it.
Open space
Beautiful Listings near the Seaport
The Bindery, #4F (Bond NY Real Estate)
From the Listing: This charming Seaport loft studio, set in the corner of a former 1888 printing house, boasts 10-foot ceilings, authentic exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, a delightfully rare wood-burning fireplace with a discreetly convenient built in Murphy bed. Additionally, this loft features a recently renovated open kitchen with a new countertop, stainless steel appliances and ceramic porcelain tile flooring! Additional features include ceramic tiled bathroom and genuine hardwood floors. See floor plan and full details here.
Seaport South, #12D (Serhant)
From the Listing: Spacious duplex apartment with private access to outdoor space is located between Wall Street and Pine Street, steps to South Street Seaport. Over 415 square feet of living room space offers plenty of room for entertainment. The first bedroom on the main floor easily fits a queen-size bed with plenty of space for a dresser or seating area. As you walk up to the second floor, entering the primary bedroom, you immediately notice the private outdoor space with an opportunity to create your own oasis. See floor plan and full details here.
Southbridge Towers, #6E (Compass)
From the Listing: This spacious apartment features two large bedrooms, a living room/dining room combo, and a large kitchen. The balcony is perfect for sitting outside on nice evenings to enjoy the Southbridge complex. Southbridge Towers has incredibly low maintenance, equipped with electricity and utilities. See floor plan and full details here.
75 Wall Street, #33P (The Corcoran Group)
From the Listing: Recently renovated to the highest level, Apartment 33P is a spacious, high-floor home with a generous and flexible layout, 10’ ceilings, and wide-plank oak flooring throughout. Enter the gracious foyer which flows into the open Boffi chef’s kitchen with a center island, Caesarstone countertops, lacquer kitchen cabinetry, garbage disposal, and top-of-the-line appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bosch oven and range, and Miele dishwasher. The large living/ dining area boasts eastern exposures with breathtaking views of the East River and exceptional natural light. Historic Wall Street and the South Street Seaport are right out your front door. See floor plan and full details here.
District, #806 (The Development Marketing Team)
From the Listing: Walk into your new home a massive loft-like unit with soaring 12-foot ceilings, oversized tilt-and-turn windows allowing great natural light, central A/C, and a washer/dryer in the unit. The sleek open kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line Miele appliances, Caesarstone countertops, a Liebherr fridge and freezer, a Ceran electric stove with sensor controls, and sophisticated white back-painted glass cabinetry. The primary suite is the epitome of luxury, and the home office can be converted to an additional bedroom. See floor plan and full details here.
The Captain Rose House, #1 (Douglas Elliman)
From the Listing: Elegant full-floor home in a historic townhouse showcases the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. The entrance opens up to a massive 30 feet by 15 feet dining and entertainment space overlooking a charming cobblestone street through huge west-facing windows. The large kitchen is a chef’s dream featuring a Wolf professional range, Miele and Liebherr appliances and custom-built kitchen cabinetry with Danby marble countertops. Topping it all off is a beautifully curated roof deck shared with only three other units! See floor plan and full details here.
28 Cliff Street, #4 (Fox Residential Group)
From the Listing: Impeccably renovated to maximize its historic character, while adding modern conveniences and high style, this light-filled loft is a home with airy living spaces. The first floor has an exposed brick dining area, living room with wood-burning fireplace, open chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances including a Kuppersbusch gas stove and oversized hood. The primary bedroom has generous custom closets with a beautifully renovated bath as well as a balcony. On the upper floor are two additional bedrooms, an office with built in cabinetry, and a fully renovated modern bath. The enormous private rooftop and two additional balconies make this unique loft a must-see! See floor plan and full details here.
272 Water Street, #2F/2F (Compass)
From the Listing: Completely renovated, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is sure to make an impression right away. Towering ceilings add to the open feel of the loft style home and the massive windows offer views of historic buildings and let in plenty of sunshine. The great room is spacious and is perfect for entertaining. The newly re-done kitchen features top of the line appliances, plentiful cabinetry for storage, a wine refrigerator, beautiful stone countertops and a large island with seating. The main bedroom is generously sized, easily fitting a king-size bed with plenty of space for an additional seating area. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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