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From Dora the Explorer to Fitness Facility Ideas for Governors Island
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 9, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 9, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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The Daily News revealed the top ten ideas in the running for the redevelopment of Governor's Island. Only 25 proposals were submitted, and while the other ideas may still be considered, these the ones the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is "concentrating" on:
Nickelodeon Recreation/Miller Global Properties: Development of a Nickelodeon Family Suites themed resort complex. The company presently runs a similar operation in Orlando, near Disney World.
Federal Development LLC/City University of New York: Creation of a "CUNY University Village" and "Leadership Park" for 5,000-10,000 educators, students and staff with two hotels, research park, marina, theater library and a not-for-profit-run educational research center.
Industrial Realty Group: Master development plan includes a conference center, hotel, amphitheater and a Ferris wheel modeled after the London Eye.
New Globe Theater: Replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theater inside an old fort on the island, Castle William.
Harbor 360 Partnership: Environmental research facility with a 2-acre scale replica of New York Harbor.
The Related Companies: Master development proposal for the creation of a Global Health Center on the north side of the island and a conference center hotel, aquarium, park, concert shell on the south side.
Metropolis USA: Design proposal for a green community of arts, education, culture, hospitality, retail and entertainment.
Becker + Becker: Proposal to redevelop two historic buildings, with a fitness facility on the top floor of one of them.
New York Harbor School: Proposal to move the Brooklyn Maritime High School to Governors Island.
Phoenix House: The substance abuse rehab agency would develop a "Phoenix Academy" for 170 teens.
Clearly, some are better than others. We like the Harbor 360 and Globe Theater ideas, and basically anything with an educational element would be great. We suppose the fitness facility in Becker + Becker's idea would be more like Chelsea Piers (versus an exclusive sports club) which could be interesting. However, no residential communities were planned - probably due to the lack of frequent public transportation options.
GIPEC has delayed the announcement of the finalists to an unspecified date.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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