Highly anticipated Pier A Harbor House opened its doors and its outside plaza on Fri., Nov. 14.
The first floor, named “Mix,” features a bar that is dubbed “The Long Hall” as well as an oyster bar.
Diners on the pier at the west end of Battery Park can enjoy views of the Hudson River in an area that was “designed for convivial eating and drinking,” according to the press release. The tall immense windows on both sides let light pour in while the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are part of the vista. With gauges over the bar and jutting out of the walls, the first floor nods to the pier’s past.
It’s been a long road to renovate the historic landmark, which is 128 years old and was once used as the headquarters for the New York Harbor Police and Department of Docks. Different ideas have been floated with what to do with the pier that fell in a state of disrepair in the early nineties.
After many years of inaction, the Battery Park City Authority took control of the project, and in March of 2011, the agency awarded the Pier A contact to Peter and Henry Poulakakos, whose family has been running Downtown eateries for decades, and their partners, the Dermot Company.
The 28,000 sq. ft. space will have two more floors. The second floor, “Dine,” will be a fine dining experience in a 4,000 sq. ft. room that will have an open kitchen. The third floor, “View,” will be an event space. Both are slated to open in January.
The visitors center, a joint effort with the Downtown Alliance, is expected to open Dec. 1.
The owners paid attention to the preservation of the building’s exterior and original Pier A symbol will be seen throughout the building, according to the press release. The iconic clock tower, which some say was the first World War 1 memorial and is dedicated to servicemen, has been repaired and is now working. The area outside has wooden tables and benches that are sure to be filled once the weather is warmer.
