Rendering by Rogers Marvel Architects, PLLC
The BMB - the ferry gateway to Governors Island - received the Municipal Art Society's Lucy G. Moses Award in 2006 for its successful restoration of the Beaux Arts style. The commission felt that the original all-glass configuration of the hotel was out of sync. The New York Landmarks Conservancy called it "inappropriate."
The initial proposal was a two-story structure covering the entire
roof, with an extra level above for a restaurant overlooking the harbor
and Governors Island. Instead of this boxy horizontal design, the
commission called for a 10-foot setback on the water side and a
vertical façade in a more classical style. The approved modifications
include shrinking the size of the hotel by 3,625 square feet and adding
four cupolas, replicating the originals from the early 20th century.
The cupolas will cost an estimated $500,000 apiece.
Plans for the building's rehabilitation can now move forward. In addition to the hotel, the City had originally called for a gourmet food market on the second floor, but Steve Benjamin, a principal at Dermot, has stated that the lack of vehicular access made this impractical. Restaurants, exhibition space, and culinary demonstrations are considered workable for the building's Great Hall. The Poulakakos family, owners of Bayard's and other downtown restaurants, are partners in the project, which is scheduled for completion by 2010.
Plans for the building's rehabilitation can now move forward. In addition to the hotel, the City had originally called for a gourmet food market on the second floor, but Steve Benjamin, a principal at Dermot, has stated that the lack of vehicular access made this impractical. Restaurants, exhibition space, and culinary demonstrations are considered workable for the building's Great Hall. The Poulakakos family, owners of Bayard's and other downtown restaurants, are partners in the project, which is scheduled for completion by 2010.