“We felt a tremendous responsibility to re-imagine St. John's Terminal in an authentic yet modern way,” says Dean Shapiro, head of US developments at Oxford Properties. He notes the terminal had a long history of innovation and productivity. He points out that its large floor plates allow for more flexible workspaces which can accommodate company expansions and changes over time.

The development will preserve three stories of the existing structure. Oxford will add nine stories on top, with a glass façade allowing 400 linear feet of west-facing views of the waterfront and sunset. The complex will feature a green landscaped rooftop and terraces overlooking the river. The overpass covering Houston Street will be removed. This will expose the original railroad tracks and connect the development to the waterfront and Hudson River Park.

“St. John's Terminal once formed the end of The High Line and our design will preserve the history and authenticity of this important piece of rail infrastructure that once connected the world to New York City,” says Rick Cook, founding partner of COOKFOX. “This building will be the next generation of high-performance, biophilic workplaces to support wellness and productivity for occupants, with access to outdoor gardens.”

Although Oxford has 30 active development projects underway around the world, this is their first project in the US as the lead developer. In January 2018, Oxford and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased the south portion of the St. John's Terminal site for $700 million. The sellers were Westbrook Partners and Atlas Capital Group. Oxford owns a 52.5% stake and serves as the property manager. CPPIB owns the remaining 47.5% interest.