Rendering of proposed changes to Governors Island Building 110. Image Credit: LPC

In addition to re-facing to prevent further damage to the porous, water-damaged brick, work will aid expansion of tenant artists’ colony. On May 9, 2017, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved an application by the Trust for Governors Island to reclad an 1870s building constructed as an ordnance storehouse in stucco, with other alterations. The 300-foot-long two-and-a-half story building is part of the Governors Island Historic District. The red brick Romanesque Revival storehouse served as office space for the military in the 20th Century, and currently hosts artists’ residences, as well as studio and exhibition space, operated by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. The Trust’s Matt Blood and architect Nancy Rankin of John G. Waite Associates presented the plan. (read more…)

Late-period buildings dating from the island’s time as a military base will be cleared for open space. On July 26, 2011, Landmarks approved the Trust for Governors Island’s proposal to demolish six buildings and install landscaping in the Governors Island Historic District. The buildings are located in the southeast corner of the historic district and include a wood-frame garage, a mechanical shop, a ferry waiting room, two transformer buildings, and an exercise studio attached to barracks designed by Mc- Kim, Mead & White. The demolition was proposed in order to improve passenger circulation at the nearby ferry landing and to increase visual corridors on the island.

The 172-acre island served as a U.S. Army base from 1821 until 1966. The island was then used by the Coast Guard until 1997. The Governors Island Historic District, designated in 1996, encompasses 92 acres in the northern portion of the island, including the Governors Island National Monument. In April 2010, the State transferred primary responsibility of the island to the City, which plans to redevelop the island’s southern portion into a recreational and cultural area. 7 City- Land 63 (May 15, 2010).  (read more…)

City-controlled operating entity will be responsible for implementing island’s recently released redevelopment master plan. On April 11, 2010, the City and State announced an agreement that would transfer to the City primary responsibility for operating Governors Island and for implementing the development goals of the Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan. The City and State have jointly operated the island since 2003, when the federal government transferred control of the island to the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation, a subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corporation. The newly created Governors Island Operating Entity will now oversee the development and operation of the island. The entity’s thirteenmember board will include nine mayoral appointees, and appointees of the Governor, the 64th District State Assembly Member, the 25th District State Senator, and Manhattan Community Board 1.

The 172-acre island’s northern 92 acres were designated as the Governors Island Historic District by Landmarks in 1996 and includes the 22-acre Governors Island National Monument managed by the National Park Service. The island’s remaining 80-acre southern portion, which is closed to the public, is slated for redevelopment and features parking lots, abandoned warehouses, and former military barracks. (read more…)