Work at Pier 15 is part of the city's East River Redevelopment Project

This week the city Economic Development Corporation (EDC) issued a Request for Proposals for the lease and operation of the Pier 15 Maritime Pavilion and accompanying ship berthing spaces along the East River in Lower Manhattan. The goal is to “maximize the activation of Pier 15,” which is part of East River Waterfront redevelopment, by making it a destination for both public and charter vessel excursion services, as well as educational programming.

The Maritime Pavilion will consist of approximately 1,763 square feet of programmable interior space. EDC crews are currently constructing the pavilion’s core and shell for fall 2011 completion; the lessee will be responsible for interior fit-out and programming, including the educational component and commercial uses.

Pier 15 is under construction as part of the city’s East River Waterfront project, where the pilot area between Maiden Lane and Wall Street is expected to open in the coming weeks. The project will transform an underutilized portion of the waterfront into a new pedestrian-friendly, publicly accessible open space complete with new landscaping, seating, and dog run.

“Pier 15 is a key component of the city’s new East River Esplanade project that will not only become a new Lower Manhattan destination, but will also generate revenue needed to support the long-term future of this public waterfront esplanade,” said EDC President Seth Pinsky. “This is another important piece of Mayor Bloomberg’s vision to reconnect our city to the water that surrounds us.”

The waterfront redevelopment also complements expanded East River ferry service, launched June 13th, that links the outer boroughs and New Jersey to downtown Piers 11 and 17, and Governors Island.

The RFP materials can be found at www.nycedc.com/rfp; responses are due on August 9, 2011.