And once the National September 11 Memorial Museum opens in 2013, Hidary predicts that tourist activity will increase even further -- which will result in a need for more hotel rooms. “We think it is going to be significant, and obviously the memorial is truly special,” he says. “There’s already the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park City and other things there that are already great in their own right, and the transportation infrastructure is being built. Between all those things, we think all the ingredients are there for the area to take off.”

Hidrock acquired the vacant parcel at 133 Greenwich for $27.9 million, and the partners plan to spend $70 million toward the construction of the hotel. Hidary says both companies have the equity committed, but “haven’t spoken” to construction lenders yet due to the early nature of the planning process.

Traditionally an office owner, the project marks Hidrock’s third venture into the hospitality space. The company is also converting a former office at 960 Sixth Ave. into a Courtyard By Marriott and is building a SpringHill Suites by Marriott at 25 West 37^th St.

Hidary says the company’s latest development is part of Hidrock’s goal to acquire $250 million in new assets by mid-year 2013. “We have two other projects right now in Midtown, and both should be open within the next 12 months, and that’s when construction should begin,” he says.