Built at the turn of the century, Pier 57 was originally a major shipping terminal along the Hudson River. The Art Deco-style structure was once hailed “the world’s most modern pier” but lay vacant since 2004 — until Google, the Hudson River Park Trust, the James Beard Foundation and other key partners collaborated to help bring it back to life.
We dove into the story behind Pier 57's transformation, creating a docu-style launch film to announce the pier's grand reopening as a new Google campus and public waterfront destination like none other.
Shot over three days, we conducted a whirlwind of in-depth interviews with architects, restaurateurs, and Googlers deeply involved in this massive effort. We explored the rooftop park, Google’s imaginative cantilevered office designs, open community spaces and classrooms, and the James Beard Foundation’s brand new Market 57.
Our creative partnership began with several weeks of story development and research — digging into a rich narrative blueprint that united the distinct collaborators behind the Pier’s reimagining and honored the place we call The Big 🍎.
Directed and produced by our in-house team, the resulting films were truly a Stink(y) production.
Paired with our launch film, we created two shorter docs featuring some of the inspiring (and obvi delicious) food vendors now at Market 57. Digging into Due Madri’s love story behind their mortadella sandwiches and Moody’s genuine quest to get more folks to eat oysters was truly a highlight of the project.
It was a joy crafting a story around a place many of us Stinkers call home. Go catch some views, enjoy the Hudson and as Moody would say, “Eat your Oysters” at Pier 57.
- Hudson River Park TrustPark Steward
- James Beard FoundationMarket 57 Curator
- DS+RArchitect
- Due MadriMarket 57 Vendor
- The Real Mother ShuckersMarket 57 Vendor
- JamestownMarket Operator