City casts its line for E. River waterfront tenants

A cafe, classrooms and recreational space could all be coming to the rebuilt East River Waterfront.

The city is looking for operators for two pavilions on the new Pier 15 and one along the esplanade at Maiden Ln. and issued a request for proposals this week.

The 3,500-square-foot pavilion under the F.D.R. Dr. at Maiden Ln. could include food and beverage service, a recreation room, market space or another use, the city Economic Development Corp. said in the R.F.P. The operator will also be responsible for programming the public space in front of the pavilion.

The same operator may also choose to run a smaller, 1,000-square-foot pavilion on Pier 15, which will definitely be a food concession. The city will build the core and shell of the pavilions and expects the Maiden Ln. pavilion to be ready for fitout in late spring 2011, while the Pier 15 food pavilion would be ready a few months later in fall 2011.

Also on Pier 15, the E.D.C. is building a 2,250-square-foot maritime pavilion, which must include an environmental education use but can include other uses as well. The city expects the maritime pavilion to be ready for fitout in fall 2011.

As part of their proposals, prospective operators have to name the rent they would be willing to pay the city for the space.

Submissions for all three of the pavilions are due June 11. More information is available at nycedc.com.