Developer seeks “green” roof additions for South Street rental development

The South Street Seaport area could get a unique skyline of its own. Pilot Real Estate Group wants to convert a trio of old vacant South Street Seaport buildings into a 20-unit rental complex, and according to the Tribeca Tribune, the plans for the structures’ roofs have the local community abuzz.

Pilot, which acquired the buildings in an auction last December, has commissioned BKSK Architects to add 38 feet to 105 and 106 South Street, two-thirds of the project that also includes 104 South Street,Between Beekman Street and Peck Slip. The new roofs will be sloped to replicate 19th century industrial buildings and covered in weather resistant grasses that insulate the building from weather and noise and absorbs rainwater. The roof of 104, though not slanted, will also have green features.

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“It’s a way to have people notice the building,” said Chris Horrigan, a partner at Pilot. “They are going to think about why is it green, why is it sloped. Maybe it will make people think about the history of the street.”

In order to add the extra height, Pilot needs Landmarks Preservation Commission to sign off on the plan, which has alread earned advisory approval from the local community board. [Tribeca Tribune]