[NYguy]

https://rew-online.com/2019/06/howar...ort-evolution/

Howard Hughes taps SOM to guide Seaport evolution

by REW
June 14, 2019

The Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC) has selected Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) to advance a forward-looking plan for the continuing evolution of Seaport District properties.

HHC’s goal in engaging SOM is to facilitate a process that will produce a clearly stated vision for the future of its Seaport properties in the context of the surrounding area, in collaboration with local residents and businesses, community leaders, elected officials, Community Board 1, the South Street Seaport Museum, historic preservation advocates, and the educational institutions and nonprofits that call the Seaport home.

HHC and SOM will meet with local stakeholders and host dedicated public forums in order to create a plan that is responsive to community members and preserves the historic character of the neighborhood while guiding its growth and revitalization.

For this project, SOM has assembled a team of seasoned urban designers and architects from its City Design Practice.

The team, to be led by SOM managing partner T.J. Gottesdiener, design partner Chris Cooper, and City Design Practice leader Keith P. O’Connor, will be taking into consideration notable elements including the area’s public space and community facilities; resilience and sustainability efforts; affordable housing; pedestrian, bicycle and traffic circulation; streetscape and wayfinding strategies; as well as infrastructure and public transit conditions.

SOM will focus on providing a comprehensive plan for HHC’s Seaport District properties in the context of the neighborhood, with a particular focus on the surface parking lot at 250 Water Street as well as other potential improvements to the Seaport District.

HHC president of the New York Tri-State Region, Saul Scherl, said, “We are pleased to be working with SOM and the community on a plan for the Seaport District that will build on the success of the revitalized Pier 17 and the preservation of the Fulton Market, Tin Building and adjacent blocks in the Historic District.

“The plan will address the needs of the neighborhood in the context of Lower Manhattan and New York City as a whole.

“The depth of SOM’s work in New York — on everything from development in historic districts to adaptive reuse of landmark buildings and the design of resilient waterfronts — makes the firm uniquely qualified to help lead the Seaport District into its next phase. HHC is committed to advancing a plan that serves the needs of this vibrant community and enhances the district’s role as a vital economic hub for the city.”