Extending 300 feet into New York Harbor and featuring a 70-foot clock tower, Pier A is New York City’s last remaining historic pier and its latest revival story. On Sunday, June 28, 2015 the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy will host a free tour of this beautifully restored site. The discussion will be led by BPCA Vice President of Real Property Gwen Dawson who will explain the history of Pier A and tell the story of its recent renovation and re-imaging as a public space.
The pier was constructed from 1884 to 1886 by the city’s Department of Docks for its use and that of the Police Department harbor patrol. Used by both until the 1950’s, the pier also was home to the New York Fire Department’s marine division until 1992, when the Pier was left vacant in anticipation of development into a public space. This renovation was delayed for many years, until the BPCA took on the project in 2008, and opened it to the public in late 2014.
Taking the pier from an abandoned structure to a three-story, flood-prepared building with beautifully-designed bars and restaurants as well as a visitor’s center and a public promenade was no easy task, and Gwen Dawson, the BPCA Vice President of Real Property will discuss the unique challenges in this conversion.
Back to Blog Homepage
