New York's City Council have unanimously backed a proposed plan to restore and redevelop the aging giant that is Pier 57. Built in 1952, the 300,000 square foot pier was hailed by Popular Mechanics as a 'SuperPier' for its vast size and unconventional construction, as most of the pier's weight is supported by 'floating' air-filled concrete cassions. The pier was originally used as a bus depot by the New York City Transit Authority, however it has been lying vacant since 2003. The latest decision brings a concrete end to years of speculation as to what the fate of the pier would be.
Read more about the proposal after the break...
The new plan is being spearheaded by developer Young Woo & Associates and architects LOT-EK. Under the new plan, the aging pier will be transformed to host a mix of commercial and cultural ventures. The proposal includes a sizable public market, a roof-top garden, which will hold a permanent outdoor venue for the TriBeCa Film Festival, and a series of 'incuboxes' - re-purposed shipping containers that will be used as pop-up shops and concept stores.
The location of the pier means that, when complete, it will form part of the Hudson River Park, a five-mile, 550-acre stretch of formerly decaying piers and parking lots, which have been redeveloped into the longest waterfront park in the US. Diana Taylor, Chairperson of the Hudson River Park Trust, welcomed the decision stating, "This new Pier will include sorely needed open spaces for Park visitors... and will result in much needed revenue to help operate and maintain the Park to the high standards we have come to expect."
