Battery Maritime Building

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

Built in 1909, designed by Walker & Morris. © Architects & Builders Magazine

"Characterized for its majestic Beaux Arts Structural Expressionist style, popular in New York’s Gilded Age, BMB shares a lineage with other remarkable civic landmarks built in the same period: the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Queensboro Bridges; New York’s subway system; and the original Pennsylvania Station."

1821 Battery Maritime Building Marvel Diagram Elevation South N42 medium hires
©David SundbergEsto
The project's focal points included a ground floor entry for MARSEC-1 ferry operations, a multi-purpose 9,000 sq ft Great Hall, and a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & restaurant.
©David Sundberg/Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
 A grand staircase was added, paying homage to the building's rich history while providing functionality for its contemporary use.
The new North Concourse stair opening is our modern intervention to invite people up from the street level, but designed to feel as though it was always there.

"Thanks to a thoughtful design strategy, the BMB maintains its provenance with updated ferry ports at grade and looks toward the future on its upper levels with the new Casa Cipriani, which aims to rouse its old bones with activity 24/7."

© Marvel
© David Sundberg Esto
The Great Hall was originally used as a ticketed waiting room for ferry passengers. It has been fully restored, including the reconstruction of its centerpiece 130 foot long historic glass laylight. Today it is used as an event space.
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
The laylight in the Great Hall was restored by straightening and reinforcing the gridded steel frame and recreating the decorative pattern from historic photographs.
The second-floor Great Hall, previously in disrepair, was meticulously restored using existing millwork and plaster fragments as templates, including the column capitals.

By adding a modern glass 5th floor addition which reflects the sky, the cupolas and pergolas are set in relief and the original silhouette of the building is recreated.

© Marvel
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
The North Loggia has been carefully preserved and restored to accentuate its unique features as one of the only surviving examples of the short lived Beaux Arts Structural Expressionism style in America, with new modern lighting to accentuate its warm Guastavino Tile arched ceiling.
The BMB is the last remaining historic working ferry terminal in New York City. Its location at the foot of Broadway is one of the most prominent sites on the island of Manhattan.
© David Sundberg Esto
The reconstructed historic 4th floor harbor facing pergola re-establishes the rooftop recreation use and frames both the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.
© David Sundberg Esto
BMB’s rich historic character and modern systems have made it a popular destination for events, while its hotel and club have created a viable new economic engine on the waterfront.

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
1821 Battery Maritime Building Architects & Builders Magazine, 1909 N37 medium

"Characterized for its majestic Beaux Arts Structural Expressionist style, popular in New York’s Gilded Age, BMB shares a lineage with other remarkable civic landmarks built in the same period: the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Queensboro Bridges; New York’s subway system; and the original Pennsylvania Station."

Meredith Morton, "Adaptive Reuse of Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building Renews the Structure’s Rightful Prominence in the Harbor and City" Retrofit Magazine.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The project's focal points included a ground floor entry for MARSEC-1 ferry operations, a multi-purpose 9,000 sq ft Great Hall, and a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & restaurant.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
 A grand staircase was added, paying homage to the building's rich history while providing functionality for its contemporary use.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The new North Concourse stair opening is our modern intervention to invite people up from the street level, but designed to feel as though it was always there.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The Great Hall was originally used as a ticketed waiting room for ferry passengers. It has been fully restored, including the reconstruction of its centerpiece 130 foot long historic glass laylight. Today it is used as an event space.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
By adding a modern glass 5th floor addition which reflects the sky, the cupolas and pergolas are set in relief and the original silhouette of the building is recreated.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building

Battery Maritime Building

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

Built in 1909, designed by Walker & Morris. © Architects & Builders Magazine

"Characterized for its majestic Beaux Arts Structural Expressionist style, popular in New York’s Gilded Age, BMB shares a lineage with other remarkable civic landmarks built in the same period: the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Queensboro Bridges; New York’s subway system; and the original Pennsylvania Station."

1821 Battery Maritime Building Marvel Diagram Elevation South N42 medium hires
©David SundbergEsto
The project's focal points included a ground floor entry for MARSEC-1 ferry operations, a multi-purpose 9,000 sq ft Great Hall, and a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & restaurant.
©David Sundberg/Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
 A grand staircase was added, paying homage to the building's rich history while providing functionality for its contemporary use.
The new North Concourse stair opening is our modern intervention to invite people up from the street level, but designed to feel as though it was always there.

"Thanks to a thoughtful design strategy, the BMB maintains its provenance with updated ferry ports at grade and looks toward the future on its upper levels with the new Casa Cipriani, which aims to rouse its old bones with activity 24/7."

© Marvel
© David Sundberg Esto
The Great Hall was originally used as a ticketed waiting room for ferry passengers. It has been fully restored, including the reconstruction of its centerpiece 130 foot long historic glass laylight. Today it is used as an event space.
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
The laylight in the Great Hall was restored by straightening and reinforcing the gridded steel frame and recreating the decorative pattern from historic photographs.
The second-floor Great Hall, previously in disrepair, was meticulously restored using existing millwork and plaster fragments as templates, including the column capitals.

By adding a modern glass 5th floor addition which reflects the sky, the cupolas and pergolas are set in relief and the original silhouette of the building is recreated.

© Marvel
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
The North Loggia has been carefully preserved and restored to accentuate its unique features as one of the only surviving examples of the short lived Beaux Arts Structural Expressionism style in America, with new modern lighting to accentuate its warm Guastavino Tile arched ceiling.
The BMB is the last remaining historic working ferry terminal in New York City. Its location at the foot of Broadway is one of the most prominent sites on the island of Manhattan.
© David Sundberg Esto
The reconstructed historic 4th floor harbor facing pergola re-establishes the rooftop recreation use and frames both the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.
© David Sundberg Esto
BMB’s rich historic character and modern systems have made it a popular destination for events, while its hotel and club have created a viable new economic engine on the waterfront.

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
1821 Battery Maritime Building Architects & Builders Magazine, 1909 N37 medium

"Characterized for its majestic Beaux Arts Structural Expressionist style, popular in New York’s Gilded Age, BMB shares a lineage with other remarkable civic landmarks built in the same period: the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Queensboro Bridges; New York’s subway system; and the original Pennsylvania Station."

Meredith Morton, "Adaptive Reuse of Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building Renews the Structure’s Rightful Prominence in the Harbor and City" Retrofit Magazine.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The project's focal points included a ground floor entry for MARSEC-1 ferry operations, a multi-purpose 9,000 sq ft Great Hall, and a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & restaurant.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
 A grand staircase was added, paying homage to the building's rich history while providing functionality for its contemporary use.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The new North Concourse stair opening is our modern intervention to invite people up from the street level, but designed to feel as though it was always there.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The Great Hall was originally used as a ticketed waiting room for ferry passengers. It has been fully restored, including the reconstruction of its centerpiece 130 foot long historic glass laylight. Today it is used as an event space.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
By adding a modern glass 5th floor addition which reflects the sky, the cupolas and pergolas are set in relief and the original silhouette of the building is recreated.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building

Battery Maritime Building

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

Built in 1909, designed by Walker & Morris. © Architects & Builders Magazine

"Characterized for its majestic Beaux Arts Structural Expressionist style, popular in New York’s Gilded Age, BMB shares a lineage with other remarkable civic landmarks built in the same period: the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Queensboro Bridges; New York’s subway system; and the original Pennsylvania Station."

1821 Battery Maritime Building Marvel Diagram Elevation South N42 medium hires
©David SundbergEsto
The project's focal points included a ground floor entry for MARSEC-1 ferry operations, a multi-purpose 9,000 sq ft Great Hall, and a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & restaurant.
©David Sundberg/Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
 A grand staircase was added, paying homage to the building's rich history while providing functionality for its contemporary use.
The new North Concourse stair opening is our modern intervention to invite people up from the street level, but designed to feel as though it was always there.

"Thanks to a thoughtful design strategy, the BMB maintains its provenance with updated ferry ports at grade and looks toward the future on its upper levels with the new Casa Cipriani, which aims to rouse its old bones with activity 24/7."

© Marvel
© David Sundberg Esto
The Great Hall was originally used as a ticketed waiting room for ferry passengers. It has been fully restored, including the reconstruction of its centerpiece 130 foot long historic glass laylight. Today it is used as an event space.
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
The laylight in the Great Hall was restored by straightening and reinforcing the gridded steel frame and recreating the decorative pattern from historic photographs.
The second-floor Great Hall, previously in disrepair, was meticulously restored using existing millwork and plaster fragments as templates, including the column capitals.

By adding a modern glass 5th floor addition which reflects the sky, the cupolas and pergolas are set in relief and the original silhouette of the building is recreated.

© Marvel
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
© David Sundberg Esto
The North Loggia has been carefully preserved and restored to accentuate its unique features as one of the only surviving examples of the short lived Beaux Arts Structural Expressionism style in America, with new modern lighting to accentuate its warm Guastavino Tile arched ceiling.
The BMB is the last remaining historic working ferry terminal in New York City. Its location at the foot of Broadway is one of the most prominent sites on the island of Manhattan.
© David Sundberg Esto
The reconstructed historic 4th floor harbor facing pergola re-establishes the rooftop recreation use and frames both the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.
© David Sundberg Esto
BMB’s rich historic character and modern systems have made it a popular destination for events, while its hotel and club have created a viable new economic engine on the waterfront.

Breathing new life into Lower Manhattan's iconic waterfront landmark.

The Battery Maritime Building, a 1909 New York City landmark, has been revitalized through adaptive reuse and now features a boutique hotel, event spaces, and restored ferry access, among other amenities. The project blends restored historic elements with modern additions, such as a glass rooftop and a grand staircase, and has received various approvals and historic tax credits, contributing to Lower Manhattan's waterfront revitalization.

2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
1821 Battery Maritime Building Architects & Builders Magazine, 1909 N37 medium

"Characterized for its majestic Beaux Arts Structural Expressionist style, popular in New York’s Gilded Age, BMB shares a lineage with other remarkable civic landmarks built in the same period: the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Queensboro Bridges; New York’s subway system; and the original Pennsylvania Station."

Meredith Morton, "Adaptive Reuse of Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building Renews the Structure’s Rightful Prominence in the Harbor and City" Retrofit Magazine.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The project's focal points included a ground floor entry for MARSEC-1 ferry operations, a multi-purpose 9,000 sq ft Great Hall, and a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & restaurant.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
 A grand staircase was added, paying homage to the building's rich history while providing functionality for its contemporary use.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The new North Concourse stair opening is our modern intervention to invite people up from the street level, but designed to feel as though it was always there.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
The Great Hall was originally used as a ticketed waiting room for ferry passengers. It has been fully restored, including the reconstruction of its centerpiece 130 foot long historic glass laylight. Today it is used as an event space.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building
By adding a modern glass 5th floor addition which reflects the sky, the cupolas and pergolas are set in relief and the original silhouette of the building is recreated.
2021DS01 Battery Maritime Building

Location

New York, NY

Client

Midtown Equities

Typology

Size

162,000 SF

Design Team

Jonathan Marvel, Tim Fryatt, Jen Olson, Anne Bannon, Andrew Brown, Claudia Castillo de la Cruz, Eugene Murphy, Makenzie Leukart, Kip Katich

Awards

Winner of 10 Industry Awards including the Chicago Athenaeum's International Architecture Award Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award, AIA New York Chapter Design Citation, Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, ULI New York Winner: Excellence in Repositioning or Redevelopment, CoStar Impact Award, Architizer A+ Award Special Mention

Consultants

Higgins Quasebarth (Historical Consultant), Criterion Acoustics (Acoustical Engineer), Langan (Civil Engineer), EP Engineer D.P.C (MEP Engineering), Silman (Structural Engineer), Schwinghammer (Lighting Design), ML Restaurant Solutions (Kitchen Design), Frank Seta and Associates (Envelope Engineer), TRACE / Lothrop Associates Architects (Pool Design), Cave (AV/IT Consulting), Page Ayres Cowley Architecture, LLC (Historic Consultant), Milrose (Expeditor), The Office of Thierry W Despont, Ltd (Interior Design), Cipriani (Ownership + Operator), Midtown Equities LLC (Ownership), Veracity (CM), MJM Construction (GC)