The Battery Maritime Building (BMB) is the gateway to Governors Island, a distinctive historic structure where the Island ferry comes and goes at the southern tip of Manhattan. It stands just east of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. Completed in 1909, it was designed by the firm of Walker & Morris in a Beaux-Arts style with exposed steel that suggested the architecture of the Paris exposition in the 1890's. Where once there were many terminals for many ferry lines, it is now the only one. It was designated a New York City Landmark in 1967. It saw generations of neglect by city agencies and a major alteration in 1957 that obscured much of the original architecture. With a recently completed exterior restoration and plans being devised for the building's interior--including a visitors center for Governors Island--this grand old building is on the verge of a renaissance.
For almost 30 years before bridges and tunnels crossed the East River, commuter ferries to and from Brooklyn docked in the BMB's three piers - but service was discontinued for lack of traffic in 1938. Now there is only the ferry to Governors Island. With GIPEC's recent purchase of a second ferry from the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority , there will be two beginning in 2009. The ferry to the Island uses the easternmost of the three slips. The NYC Department of Transportation will use the westernmost slip for private ferry services as part of the City's East River Ferry Service, and commuter service is expected to begin later this summer.
From 2001 to 2006, the city's Economic Development Corporation (EDC) spent nearly $60 million to renovate the BMB's exterior, also restoring and replicating the historic windows, doors and light fixtures. Its distinctive sheet metal façade was painted green to resemble copper verdigris. With funding generously provided by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, a refurbished waiting room and visitor's center for Governors Island will be possible. Jan Hird Pokorny Associates Inc. is the chosen architect. Tishman Construction Corporation -- the company that did the restoration -- will serve as the construction manager for the waiting room.
In July, the Dermot Company and the Poulakakos family were awarded the contract to complete revitalization of the rest of the building's interior. Partners in the redevelopment plans include Rogers Marvel Architects, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, and Market Ventures Inc. Plans for the redevelopment of the Great Hall include a specialty foods marketplace to showcase locally based businesses, as well as an educational center. There are plans for a 135-room boutique hotel on the two upper floors. There would also be a restaurant and bar with rooftop tables and indoor seating. After hours, the Great Hall would be available for private events.
http://www.governorsislandalliance.org/pdf/OnlineOffshorevol2_6.pdf