The New York State Supreme Court’s appellate division has overturned a previous ruling on the residential project at 250 Water Street. The court has invalidated Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision, which questioned the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s (LPC) approval of the Howard Hughes Corporation’s development plans in the South Street Seaport historic district.  

The lawsuit, led by the Historic Districts Council, argued that the proposed building exceeded height restrictions. However, the appellate court concluded that the LPC’s approval was justified and dismissed claims of a “quid pro quo” arrangement with the developer.  

This ruling paves the way for the development of 399 housing units on the site, ending its longstanding use as a parking lot since 1977. Fried Frank represented Howard Hughes with a team led by Janice Mac Avoy, Justin J. Santolli and Nicholas Winkley