Rooftop at Pier 17 in the Seaport District/ Image credit: Howard Hughes Corporation

NEW YORK CITY—In moving forward with the development of Manhattan's historic Seaport District, the Howard Hughes Corporation has retained Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as the master planner. The architecture firm will work with HHC and local stakeholders on the continued growth of the area, with goals of respecting its history, character and local community. 

Skidmore Owings & Merrill will provide a comprehensive plan for HHC's Seaport District properties including the surface parking lot at 250 Water St. and other improvements to the district. The design will consider public space, community facilities, resilience and sustainability, affordable housing, pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle circulation, streetscapes, infrastructure and public transit. It will also support the South Street Seaport Museum which provides education about the district's historic role as one of the city's major ports.

HHC president of the New York tri-state region, Saul Scherl, points out this next phase builds on company's revitalization of Pier 17 and preservation of the Fulton Market, Tin Building and neighboring blocks. In 2010, HHC assumed a long-term lease for Pier 17 and portions of the South Street Seaport District, and invested $600 million in the area.