THE VISION FOR THE SEAPORT

In 1968, the Friends of South Street had the vision to preserve a priceless city landmark: the largely intact 19th century market district at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge whose origins can be traced to 1642. Known today as the "South Street Seaport" this neighborhood includes two unique and irreplaceable riverfront market halls --the Tin Building (2)and New Market Building (3)-- empty since 2005 when the Fulton Fish Market was moved to the Bronx. That same year, New Amsterdam Market was launched with a mission to preserve and rehabilitate these two city-owned facilities, which remained threatened by inappropriate development proposals.

We envision the Fulton Fish Market redeveloped as a permanent, year-round, wholesale & retail distribution center dedicated to responsible agriculture, regional sourcing, and fair trade. New Amsterdam Market will anchor a resilient, 21st century market district inspired by the fabled Les Halles of Paris (1), London's Borough Market (4) and American precedents such as Pike Place Market in Seattle and Ferry Plaza Market in San Francisco. Our mission is made all the more relevant by the flood of October 29, which severely impacted the Lower Manhattan waterfront. A public market whose mission is the public interest, and not a suburban shopping mall, will lead this neighborhood's economic, civic, and cultural revival.

The highest and best use of any place emerges from the character of that place itself. The New Amsterdam Market District will emerge as a thriving destination by fostering and supporting numerous, varied, independent local businesses, and by ensuring that infrastructure and building uses evolve in concert with climate change and its effects. To this end we are working with local merchants, government officials, and funders to form a community development corporation that will revitalize the District, improve the quality of public space, and maximize revenues for infrastructure maintenance.

You can help us make this vision happen by joining as a New Amsterdam Market Friend. Membership is $20, sign up here.

below: Tin Building interior, by Barbara Mensch

below: a rendering of the market in the tin building, by Kazuya Morimoto