Governors Island, located in New York Harbor, is undergoing a $10 million renovation to transform a former weapons arsenal into a new dining and event space. The project will include reimagining Taco Vista, a Mexican restaurant, and adding Priscilla’s, a year-round café, and Riverline, an indoor-outdoor restaurant. These establishments will be operated by the Mexican eatery and will have a commissary kitchen to support them. The event space within Building 140 will offer scenic waterfront views for weddings and corporate events, making it a versatile venue for various occasions.
Scheduled to open in fall 2025, this project is one of the first adaptive reuse initiatives on Governors Island, featuring 100% electric operations. The renovation of the 10,000-square-foot administrative building, built by the US Army in 1875, will include flood resiliency measures and repairs to the structure such as brick replacements and window repairs. This restoration effort is part of the ongoing work to make Governors Island a year-round destination for its nearly one million visitors, according to Clare Newman, the trust’s president and CEO.
Governors Island has been open to the public year-round since 2021, and the island has been continuously expanding its offerings to attract more visitors. In addition to the new dining and event space being developed in Building 140, the island is also seeing expansion in other areas. For example, an Italian day spa called QC NY is expanding with a new building, a restaurant, and various wellness offerings set to open in July. These developments are part of the overall strategy to enhance the island’s appeal and make it a more accessible and attractive destination for locals and tourists alike.
The renovation project on Governors Island is receiving approximately $1 million in city funds to support its completion, indicating the city’s investment in transforming the historic space into a vibrant hub for dining and events. With the addition of new restaurants, cafes, and event spaces, Governors Island is poised to become a bustling destination within New York Harbor. The new facilities will cater to a wide range of visitors, from casual diners looking for Mexican fare to couples seeking a picturesque venue for their wedding or companies in need of a scenic location for corporate events.
As part of the redevelopment efforts on Governors Island, the Trust for Governors Island officials have highlighted the focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness. The new dining and event space within Building 140 will operate with 100% electric operations, aligning with the island’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. By incorporating green practices into the renovation project and ensuring that the space is energy-efficient, Governors Island is leading by example in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, the renovation of the former weapons arsenal on Governors Island represents a significant step in revitalizing the historic space and turning it into a vibrant destination for visitors. With a focus on providing diverse dining options, event spaces, and environmental sustainability, the project aims to enhance the island’s appeal and attract more visitors year-round. As development continues on Governors Island, the hope is that it will become a premier destination within New York Harbor, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities for all who visit.
