November 2nd - November 8th, 2007

Hudson Square Helps to Transform Another Downtown Neighborhood

November 5^th: Plans are underway to convert the old warehouse at 330 Hudson Street into a luxury hotel with additional office tower and retail space, according to a report in Crain's New York Business this week. Developers hope the $220 million conversion will help to lure shops, restaurants, and, most importantly, more people to the area.

The revitalization of Hudson Square, the area surrounding the warehouse conversion project, is part of a larger effort to transform the entire neighborhood. Crain's report highlights the role played by Trinity Real Estate, the neighborhood's largest landlord, which, it says, has been driving the developments in and around Hudson Square.

Once complete, "the development will be the tipping point for the neighborhood," said Bill Brodsky, one of Trinity's three partners. The increased activity around Hudson Square represents the spreading revitalization of downtown as a whole, which is steadily becoming a hub for companies like advertising agencies and publishing firms, according to Crain's.

Montreal-Based Firm Wins $47 Million Contract for Freedom Tower

November 6^th: A Quebec firm has won a $47 million contract to build a massive steel structure for the Freedom Tower, according to a report in Quebec's La Presse newspaper. The Montreal-based ADF Group, a firm that specializes in heavy and complex steel structures, was one of many firms picked to work on the new tower, reports Crain's New York Business. Other firms that have been awarded contracts include New York-based Tishman Realty & Construction and DCM Erectors of New York.

Of the $2.8 billion budget for the Freedom Tower, developers have already contracted out $1.7 billion, according to Crain's. ADF will be responsible for building a 70-ton steel frame that will support the tower as well as the steel base and mast for the 380-foot-high antenna-like structure that will sit atop the building. The group expects to begin construction on the steel structure by February 2008 and complete it by November 2009, Crain's reports.

Architects Reveal Detailed Plans for East River Waterfront

November 7^th: Architects this week revealed the most detailed plans so far for the remaking of the East River Waterfront, reported the Tribeca Trib. The firm working on the project, SHoP Architects, presented its latest visual concepts for what it calls "a lively promenade" to Community Board 1 members this week.

The new and improved waterfront also will feature a new Pier 15, dedicated to recreation and easy access to the water. The pier will be the centerpiece at the waterfront and will provide residents and visitors with a more hospitable environment along the river. Lighting improvements also are planned along the walkways, including installation of soft, indirect illumination sources that will preserve night-time river views, according to the Trib's report.

CB1 members responded positively to the presentation, reports the Trib. "This is one of the most breathtaking public works projects in the world," board member Bruce Ehrmann told a reporter for the Trib. The pier does potentially face some opposition from boat advocates who object to the lack of boat docking provided for in the plan.