Just Press Pause: Help Save the Old Fulton Fish Market and Turn It Into a Vibrant New Public Space

It's always exciting to see plans for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/stunning-new-pier-17-renderings-show-a-public-green-roof-for-south-street-seaport/">new green buildings</a>, but what happens when they require the demolition of a well-loved landmark? That's the dilemma plaguing the development of Lower Manhattan’s <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/south-street-seaport/">South Street Seaport</a> - part of which would involve razing the old <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/celebrity-chefs-join-fight-to-keep-historic-fulton-fish-market-alive/">Fulton Fish Market</a>. Despite the colonial history of the site, developer <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/howard-hughes-corp/">Howard Hughes</a> is dead-set on stacking a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/shop-architects-reveals-south-street-seaport-plans-for-a-50-story-tower-and-marina/">50-story skyscraper in the fishery’s place</a>. Now a new initiative called “<a href="http://www.justpresspause.org/">Just Press Pause</a>” is working to save the historic building and turn it into a vibrant new market offering fresh, local foods. Read on to see how you can help!

<p>Beyond returning the market, Just Press Pause is a concerted effort save the historic character of the waterfront. Erecting a massive jenga styled building would compromise the character of the 400-year-old district. What’s more, the skyscraper would block the iconic views of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/brooklyn-bridge/">Brooklyn Bridge</a>. Further, given the recent damage seen at South Street Seaport thanks to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/hurricane-sandy/">Hurricane Sandy</a> the organization believes <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/femas-new-maps-for-nyc-add-35000-homes-to-flood-zones/">resilient design</a> is more important than ever.</p>

Instead of erecting a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/shop-architects-reveals-south-street-seaport-plans-for-a-50-story-tower-and-marina/">50-story hotel and condo tower</a>, the building could be home for the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/new-amsterdam-market/">New Amsterdam Market</a>.

Howard Hughes has more plans to redevelop Pier 17.

Currently the community-started market operates out of nearby parking lots serving both restaurants and local residents fresh food. However, with proper funding and support, <a href="http://newamsterdammarket.org/">New Amsterdam Market</a> founder Robert LaValva believes the New Market building can be restored to its former glory.

<p>“[W]e seek time to create the first truly comprehensive master plan for the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/south-street-seaport/">South Street Seaport</a> Historic District and other irreplaceable public assets along the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/east-river-gets-new-life-with-waterfront-esplanade/">East River waterfront</a> in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/lower-manhattan/">Lower Manhattan</a>, including the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/east-river-esplanade/">East River Esplanade</a>,” Just Press Pause wrote in its mission statement. </p>

<p>The organization has already banded together support from local residents, Community Board 1, Friends of South Street, and the Southbridge Towers. Meanwhile, the New Amsterdam Market plan brought backing from star chefs including <a href="http://danielnyc.com/">Daniel Boulud</a>, <a href="http://blank">Jean-Georges Vongerichten</a>, and <a href="http://www.telepan-ny.com/welcome-to-telepan">Bill Telepan</a>. Now Just Press Pause is calling for more help and names to sign its petition in hopes of attracting the attention of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/what-green-initiatives-does-new-york-citys-new-mayor-bill-de-blasio-have-in-store/">Mayor de Blasio</a> and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/gale-brewer/">Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer</a>.</p>