The South Street Seaport Museum would be saved, redesigned and possibly moved closer to historic ships under a proposal presented Wednesday by the Seaport’s developer, the Howard Hughes Corporation. “We’re completely committed to the long-term viability — making sure the museum is not only vibrant but sustainable,” David Weinreb, the company’s chief executive, said in an interview. In its revised proposal for the pier, unveiled at a meeting of a community-working group, Hughes said there would be money for the museum.
On Thursday, Mr. Weinreb elaborated on the specifics: The company would contribute $10 million toward the museum’s operating and rebuilding costs and would consider adding to that figure, “provided we have the economic engine to accomplish the things we’ve proposed to do.” Hughes has been working with ShoP Architects on a possible redesign and relocation of the museum, which has been closed since April 2013.
“We want to help establish direct visual contact between the ships and the museum,” said Gregg Pasquarelli, a founding principal at ShoP. “We’re looking at a lot of sites. You could put a museum building out there right next to the ships.” The museum has been looking for a backer since last year, when the Museum of the City of New York pulled out of running the institution. Any proposal requires approval by the city.