City sought to demolish two old Seaport buildings

Howard Hughes Corp. is looking to build a tower on site

From left: David Weinreb (credit: Max Dworkin) and a rendering of Howard Hughes Corporation's South Street Seaport (Credit: SHoP)
From left: David Weinreb (credit: Max Dworkin) and a rendering of Howard Hughes Corporation's South Street Seaport (Credit: SHoP)

For months, the city was quietly planning to demolish two old buildings in the South Street Seaport area, where the Howard Hughes Corp. have proposed the construction of a nearly 500-foot-tall residential building.

The properties in question are the New Market Building and the landmarked Tin Building, Crain’s reported. Both structures were part of the old Fulton Fish Market.

City officials aimed to demolish the buildings June 8, at least a month earlier than Howard Hughes’ current plans, according to emails obtained by the publication.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

These buildings, an Economic Development Corporation spokesperson told Crain’s, “are supported by piles that have deteriorated to the point that they cannot hold the structures above it.” According to an inspection last month, the buildings are in danger of collapsing into the water, according to the website.

The local community board still has to approve the demolitions. If Howard Hughes‘ plans were to be approved, those demolitions would also have happened, Crain’s reported. The decision is a setback for preservationists who are opposed to the plans and want to protect the historic district. Howard Hughes has promised to rebuild the Tin Building nearby to its original spot as part of its development[Crain’s] — Claire Moses