Building of the Week - 40th Ed.

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Pier 40

353 West St, New York, NY 10014

The holidays are the time for honesty, right? At least, that’s the overarching message I got from watching Hot Frosty. Or am I thinking of Ratatouille? Well… to be honest, I’m running out of new buildings to spew out half-baked semi-original takes on every week. That’s why I’m thankful to have a theme to lean on this week. And speaking of thanks, this week’s building says exactly what I want to say to you! 

This week, we’re going to be chatting about Pier 40, a former marine terminal that’s now a sprawling recreational sports complex. "Another pier??" you ask. YES! I don't know why I'm so pulled to them. I’m not a water sign (I’m an Earth sign that gets seasick), so that can’t be it. Hm… Oh well, that’s above my pay grade to figure out. 

This pier is located on the west side of Manhattan on the edge of Houston Street. Fun fact, New Yorkers pronounce this like “house ton” Street. Hey? Cut that shit out. New Yorkers love to pronounce things differently. What’s next? Standing ON line instead of IN? Get real.

Pier 40 was converted from a shipping terminal into a recreational facility in 1998. Today, it's home to a mix of indoor and outdoor soccer fields, as well as event spaces. The fields have become a hot commod, with local leagues for soccer, rugby, baseball, and more fighting for play time. Heated arguments regularly break out over scheduling, and I’m not sure if the ref should be calling offside or calling the cops.

The massive mural was painted by Kenji Nakahashi before the pier’s reopening in 1998. Kenji got his start in the 90s graffiti scene and was all about making art accessible to everyone. It’s like Banksy but if Banksy wasn’t such a piece of shit. 

“I want to thank you.” A simple message that means something to everyone. This pier is alongside a very popular walking path that goes along the Hudson River, so thousands of people see this message every day. When I see it, I can’t help but smile a little and think, “Who? Me? Well shucks. Anytime :)”

I have strolled along this walking path countless times and these giant red letters are my preferred turning-around point. It’s on the same path but north of Pier 25 from week 16. Right next to this pier is an ominous looking structure which turns out just to be the Holland Tunnel Vent Shaft. Why does it look so evil to me?? 

I don't like his vibe

The sports fields aren’t the only things in this area in high demand. Right outside the facility, there are three tennis courts, and along the walkway, you'll find six numbered benches. These benches are always packed with people eagerly waiting their turn to Do Tennis. Once you finally get your shot, you’re only given an hour. That means some people wait 2+ hours for their turn! (...right? the math of this hurts my brain) Alexa, play Tennis Courts by Lorde, we have time to kill. Actually, just listen to this playlist I made instead. 

I have recently watched all of Sex and the City for the first time and immediately recognized this pier in the episode where Carrie takes a trapeze class. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention there’s an outdoor trapeze school here. I’ve come to really adore this show and have grown quite attached to these characters. In fact, I will now assign each main character to one of the four piers I have written about. 

Pier 40: Miranda. Sporty vibes and very little frills. This place sparks a lot of arguments. Also, Red hair = red mural. Except "I want to thank you" would be said sarcastically.

Pier 17: Carrie. This pier is the perfect way to feel luxurious without breaking the bank (but you'll probably still find a way to spend more money than you intended to). Also, there’s a Sarah Jessica Parker shoe store across the street!

Little Island: Samantha. Lots of people make their way through here. The space has an energy about it that feels naturally put together. Also, those bathrooms are SEXY!

Pier 25: Charlotte. All this girl wants is a husband and kids. I can imagine her running past this pier and ogling at all the moms with their children. Or at the finance bros playing beach volleyball.

Maybe this building was destined to be written about this week. By that I mean it’s got thankfulness written all over it (literally), and, well, it’s also related to the number 40. Forty. Forty!! Can you believe I’ve written your ears off forty times already? I can’t decide if that’s an accomplishment or a cry for help.

And I couldn’t help but wonder, are all buildings the same? Are we all just towering structures, built of brick and steel, designed to store things... and sometimes, people? And just like that, I found myself deep in a Thanksgiving leftover coma, pondering whether buildings are the only things that can be built up, or if I too was just another work in progress.

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Fun Facts

• There is a HUGE parking garage here! I personally would find myself hesitant to park my car above water but to each their own. 

  
  

• This pier is a part of the Hudson River Park system, similar to Pier 25. This park system stretches from Battery Park (whoop whoop) to 59th Street! 

  
  

• There is an ongoing debate on how to develop Pier 40 further. The park system needs to make more money (don’t we all?) but the local committees want it to remain accessible for all. 

  
  

• Are any of these facts even fun?

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I hope I did Carrie Bradshaw justice with that last paragraph. 

Anyways… I WON'T see you next week because I am going on vacay! Alexa, play Kokomo!

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