The future East River Esplanade

After years of planning and community outreach, the city's new East River Waterfront project begins in April 2009. Funded by a $137 million Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) grant, the riverside redevelopment will create a virtually continuous greenway between Battery Park and East River Park, complete with picnic areas, seating, and recreational pavilions.

According to the master plan, which was developed by the New York City Department of City Planning and SHoP Architects, infrastructure will be rehabilitated, pedestrian areas will be repaved, and the piers themselves will offer new waterfront amenities -- including "get downs" that serve as combined steps/seating linking the esplanade to the water's edge. The project will replace the waterfront's utilitarian concrete slabs along the FDR Drive with a playground, bikeway/walkway, and several planted seating areas, transforming the two-mile stretch that connects the Financial District, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side.

The Economic Development Corporation is managing the design and construction of the project. Other agencies that were key partners in the project include Department of Transportation and Department of Parks and Recreation. Groups that contributed to the final designs spanned urban designers, landscape architects, maritime experts, and engineers, as well as local businesses, tenant associations, elected officials, state agencies, and civic groups.  

Locate this project on the Interactive Streetwork Map.

All of the posted information, including schedules and completion dates are based on the information provided by the project managers. Read more about the project on LowerManhattan.info here. To visit the Department of City Planning's comprehensive project website, click here, including its complete Concept Plan. Additional project information at the city Economic Development Corporation.

Summary

Pier 15 opened in December 2010

In April 2009, the city Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for individuals or companies interested in leasing and operating an enclosed pavilion and optional outdoor space along the East River waterfront in Lower Manhattan.  The Maiden Lane South Pavilion will be located at the intersection of South Street and Maiden Lane directly beneath the elevated FDR Drive and will be the first of several pavilions built as part of the East River Waterfront Esplanade and Piers Project.

Programming suggestions for the pavilion include a food service or recreation facility, but other creative programming concepts that meet the project's goals will be considered. Individuals and companies may propose to use up to 4,500 square feet of enclosed pavilion space and up to 2,700 square feet of optional outdoor space. NYCEDC will construct the core and shell of the Pavilion which is expected to be open with tenant occupancy by spring 2013.

Daily Activities

*The following information was last updated April 26, 2013.

• Package 2: Esplanade reconstruction from Old Slip to the Battery Maritime Building began summer 2011 and includes South Street utility reconstruction, through spring 2013
• Package 3: Pike Slip to Pier 35 (including Pier 35) structural renovation began in fall 2011 through appx. late 2013. New Pier 35 and utility construction began in April 2013. Associated utility work on South Street began August 2012.
• A reduced, shared bikeway/walkway is in effect at the work site.
• Pilot area at Maiden Lane opened in July 2011.
• Pier 15 opened to the public in Dec. 2011. The cafe will open in spring 2013.

Contact Info

For more information about this project, contact the EDC at (212) 312-3716 or call 311.

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