Word recently leaked that the new owner of South Street Seaport, General Growth Properties, wanted to create a tower and open space over what is now the "festival marketplace" of Pier 17. In one proposed configuration, General Growth would build a 50-story building that would leave 100,000 square feet of open space at the pier. On February 26, 2007 local residents met with General Growth and protested plans to raze the existing Pier 17 mall, relocate the landmark Tin Building, and build a new mixed-use structure. Instead, they called for open space, playgrounds and schools. General Growth promised that a tower is only one of many proposals that they are considering for the site. An official proposal is not expected until summer 2007. Any design would require a reconstruction of the Pier’s rotting support structure. As a leaseholder, General Growth expects the city to contribute to infrastructure work on the site.

General Growth is also involved with the planned 835 foot Santiago Calatrava tower located across the street from the Seaport at 80 South Street. The mixed-use project includes ten 4-story townhouses stacked atop one another with asking prices ranging from $29 million to the $59 million dollar penthouse. The project is being developed Frank Sciame. The building plans for 80 South Street were approved on January 28, 2005. After two years, building plans are considered "dormant" by the Department of Buildings -- although they have not officially expired, a developer must go through most of the plan approval process for a second time before construction permits are issued. The plan must be checked to ensure that it complies with current zoning and other municipal regulations.

3 years ago Related Companies had made a deal to purchase Pier 17 in hopes of adding a market building, an1800 seat public theater situated at the end of the pier, new public parks networked through the entire site, street level-only retail and a W hotel with conference center. Community Board 1 thwarted previous plans.

This development is closely interlinked with:
Lower Manhattan Development