THE TIN BUILDING

NEW YORK, NY (US)

The historic Tin Building in New York’s South Street Seaport has been transformed into a sprawling culinary marketplace by iconic chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in partnership with the Howard Hughes Corporation. Tin Building by Jean-Georges comprises six full-service restaurants, six quick service counters, four bars, retail, private dining, and grocery markets. The two-floor, 53,000-square-foot mecca, designed by Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors and Cass Calder Smith, pays homage to the legacy of the Seaport neighborhood as well as Jean-Georges’ global influence.

Each venue within the structure, which was meticulously restored by SHoP Architects, is distinguished by texture and color while also honoring motifs that subtly bond the individual spaces. Radius-corner archways clad in verdigris tiling serve as transition markers reminiscent of the interiors of a ship, while elements—like painted exposed pipes and ducts—complement polished concrete floors to create an elevated Machine Age aesthetic. Tamboured wood, gray veined marble, handmade maritime-hued tiles, and brass ribbons also punctuate the space.

Nearly 300 objets d’art are have been restored to honor the site. A sensitive lighting design further reinforces the historical character of the property, which is lined with black and white photography of Lower Manhattan over the last four decades. Following the reconstruction of the pier with new concrete and steel piles, the Tin Building now stands a foot above the FEMA 100-year floodplain to ensure coastal resiliency as well.

CREDIT :: HOSPITALITY DESIGN