SOUTH STREET SEAPORT — A long-disputed relic of the Seaport's Fulton Fish Market is embracing its seafood past, with the help of a celebrity chef.
The Tin Building, an abandoned Fulton Fish market warehouse that sits underneath the FDR, at the base of Pier 17, will be transformed into a 40,000 seafood-inspired marketplace, helmed by noted chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the New York Post first reported.
The landmarked building, which has sat empty for years, has long been a source of controversy, as plans for the redevelopment of neighboring Pier 17 and its nearby buildings have come under scrutiny by residents and local officials. Some have expressed concerns about preserving the historic character of the warehouse, along with the surrounding area.
Developer Howard Hughes Corporation said in a statement that the new market will be inspired by the former Fulton Fish Market, which relocated to The Bronx in 2005 after more than 182 years in the Seaport.
The market was also once perused by Vongerichten every morning as a young chef in New York City.
"Reminiscent of the Seaport’s rich history as a center of food and commerce, the market will feature locally-sourced, organically grown products as well as authentic and accessible prepared foods and merchandise," the company said in an announcement, which will be widely released Wednesday.
"This historic vitality is what Jean-Georges, his partner, Phil Suarez, and The Howard Hughes Corporation aim to bring back to the Seaport District."
The Hughes Corporation had previously said it would refurbish the historic building as a market, and move it 30 feet, out from under the FDR, as part of its yet-to-be approved redevelopment plan for the Seaport.
The overhaul, which has not gone through the city land approval process yet, also includes tearing down the New Market building, a neighboring Fulton Market warehouse, and building a controversial luxury tower where the deteriorating building now sits.
Vongerichten, who has several upscale restaurants in New York, including ABC Kitchen and Jean-Georges, will also open a 10,000-square-foot, seafood—focused restaurant on Pier 17. The pier is currently being rebuilt into a sleek, outdoor mall and slated to be finished sometime in 2017.
Any changes to the landmarked Tin Building are still subject to Landmark Commission approvals.
“As someone who looked forward to sourcing fish daily at the Fulton Fish Market at the Seaport and has watched the area lose its relevance over the last decade, I am honored to be a part of this catalytic transformation,” said Jean-Georges Vongerichten in the Hughes Corporation announcement.
“My two new concepts will reestablish the city’s cherished connection to the waterfront."
