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After being overrun for years with tourists as a glorified mall and then enduring the shock devastation of Hurricane Sandy, a revitalized South Street Seaport has finally docked.
Standing on top of the sweeping, one-and-a-half-acre Pier 17 rooftop that's set to open to the public in late July, it doesn’t take long to realize the venue offers one of most spectacular new views New York has seen in years.
To the south, you have a bird’s-eye view of Governors Island and direct lines of sight to the Statue of Liberty and World Trade Center. To the north, all three of the East River bridges are visible, as well as the soaring spire of the Empire State Building. And all around you, most significantly, is water.
“Our main goal here has been to allow New Yorkers to reclaim the water,” explains Saul Scherl, president of the New York Tri-State Region for The Howard Hughes Corporation. “We really tried to bring the river back to the pier and not just have people feel like they’re in these closed-off, indoor spaces.”
Though the seaport has seen some exciting additions over the last few years—from the luxury movie theater (and popular date spot) iPic to Clinton Hall’s epic, three-story beer hall—things are set to really take off this summer when the completely overhauled Pier 17 reopens to the public.
Here are four new things to get excited about the next time you dock downtown.
The Heineken River Deck
Located on the north side of the pier, this large outdoor bar opens on Friday, June 15. Take in views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges while sipping cocktails from Mark Murphy, a veteran of El Vez and Saxon + Parole.
Market Hall
Also opening on Friday, this waterfront grab-and-go restaurant will feature a menu from executive chef David Kornell. The items, which focus on seasonal recipes and locally-sourced ingredients, are meant to provide an elevated take on typical pier fare. (We’re guessing this still probably doesn’t include rock candy.)
Seaport FIT and Pier 17 Cinema Club
A series of classic movies are set to screen on the pier’s massive rooftop beginning in mid-July, with the lineup soon to be announced. Starting July 17, however, you can head over for a series of free fitness classes curated by fitness experts from around the city.
Pier 17 Rooftop Concert Series
The 3,400-rooftop venue will kick-off this al-fresco entertainment series on August 1 with a performance by Amy Schumer followed by Kings of Leon the next night.
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