NEW YORK, NY.- The Trust for Governors Island released today a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the revitalization of two historic buildings on the Island, Building 324 and Building 330. The RFEI invites ideas from prospective partners for the revitalization of these historic assets, bringing them back into active, year-round use. The Trust is seeking responses that propose arts and cultural, recreational, or other public-facing uses. The two adjacent buildings are located within the Governors Island Historic District in an area becoming a major hub of activity and investment – steps away from one of the Island’s two primary ferry terminals at Yankee Pier, and adjacent to the future New York Climate Exchange campus. Originally constructed as a YMCA recreation center and a movie theater, respectively, the buildings feature soaring ceilings and open floor plans.
"The former YMCA and Fort Jay Theater historically stood as cultural anchors of Governors Island, and we're thrilled to present a unique opportunity to breathe new life into these iconic buildings,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “We're seeking visionary partners with bold ideas for cultural, recreational, and public-facing uses that can turn untapped potential into vibrant spaces for everyone to enjoy."
Building 324 was constructed in 1926 and is a two-story, 26,000-square-foot Neo-Georgian brick building that served as the Army YMCA for much of the Island's military history. The facility historically housed a large auditorium, an above-ground pool, and squash courts, hosting performances and providing recreational opportunities for servicemembers stationed on the Island. The Trust is currently finalizing design on an approximately $7 million dollar investment into the building’s envelope and structural elements to ready it for its next chapter.
Building 330 was built in 1937 under the supervision of the Army Motion Picture Service. The building, also known as the Fort Jay Theatre, is an approximately 10,000 square-foot, single-story theater with 750 seats, a balcony, a soaring 20-foot-high ceiling in the main theater volume, and elements of 1930s-era Art Deco architectural detailing at the proscenium and ceiling. An exterior ticket booth under a columned entrance portico is in view of the Parade Ground. Used intermittently since the Coast Guard’s 1996 departure for exhibitions and performances including in partnership with Creative Time, No Longer Empty, and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the theater’s seats are still in place, and the building retains much of its original character.
Respondents to the RFEI may include either or both buildings in their submissions. The spaces also include potential outdoor space offering the opportunity for respondents to incorporate entry plazas and outdoor programming spaces that engage the public while enhancing and complementing indoor activities.
With nearly one million annual visitors, year-round ferry access, and a growing community of cultural, educational, and commercial tenants, Governors Island offers an unmatched platform for programming and amenities that are public-facing, creatively ambitious, and reflective of New York City at its best. The Trust seeks Respondents with the vision and capacity to revitalize these historic structures, with an emphasis on arts, cultural, recreational, and other public uses.
As described in the RFEI, proposals should adhere to the Trust’s sustainability and resiliency design guidelines, including full building electrification. The Trust will host virtual information sessions on August 5 and August 19, 2026; site visits on August 12, August 26, and September 9, 2026; with questions due in writing by September 16, 2026, and final submissions due by October 26, 2026.
