Walk down to the very edge of Manhattan, where the salt air hits your face and the Staten Island Ferry horn blasts every few minutes, and you'll find it. 10 South Street New York New York is a weird, beautiful collision of history and high-end luxury that most tourists—and honestly, a lot of locals—just walk right past without realizing what they’re looking at.
It’s the Battery Maritime Building.
If you’ve ever seen that massive, green cast-iron structure with the elaborate Beaux-Arts detailing, you’ve seen it. But for decades, it was basically a decaying relic. Now? It’s Casa Cipriani. It’s a private club. It’s a hotel. It’s a ferry terminal. It is a lot of things packed into one very expensive footprint.
The building was finished back in 1909. Think about that for a second. This was the era of grand municipal architecture, where even a ferry terminal had to look like a palace. It was designed by Walker & Morris, and for a long time, it served the ferries heading to 39th Street in Brooklyn. While its neighbor, the Whitehall Terminal, got a sleek, modern glass makeover after a fire, 10 South Street stayed stuck in time. That’s probably why it’s so special today. It feels like Old New York because, well, it actually is.
Why 10 South Street New York New York is Suddenly Everywhere
If you’re wondering why this specific address is popping up on your feed or in real estate news, it’s mostly because of the massive redevelopment that turned the upper floors into Casa Cipriani.
For years, the upper levels of the Battery Maritime Building were just... empty. Dusty offices. Storage. A lot of potential and zero execution. Then the Cipriani family and a group of developers decided to drop hundreds of millions of dollars to turn it into a 47-room boutique hotel and an exclusive private membership club.
It wasn’t an easy build.
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You can’t just go into a landmarked building and start ripping things out. The New York Landmarks Preservation Commission is notoriously strict, and for good reason. They had to restore those massive Guastavino tile arches and the intricate metalwork that makes the facade so distinct. When you stand outside at 10 South Street New York New York, you aren't just looking at a hotel; you're looking at a piece of the city's maritime DNA that was almost lost to rust and neglect.
The Design Aesthetic: What’s Actually Inside?
Honestly, the interior is kind of insane. It was handled by Thierry Despont, the same guy who worked on the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and the Ritz Paris. He didn't go for "modern minimalist." Instead, the vibe is very much "1930s ocean liner luxury."
Think lacquered mahogany.
Think brass accents.
Think about a place where you’d expect to see someone in a tuxedo drinking a Negroni at 3:00 PM.
The Great Hall is the centerpiece. It’s this massive, cavernous space with a stained-glass clerestory that filters the light in a way that feels almost religious. If you’re lucky enough to get inside—either by booking a room or knowing a member—the view of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge is arguably the best in the city. You’re right on the water. Not "near" it. Literally on top of it.
The Club vs. The Hotel
There is a bit of confusion about how to actually visit 10 South Street New York New York.
- The Hotel: Anyone with a big enough credit card can book a room. It’s expensive. Like, "don't look at the mini-bar" expensive. But the rooms are huge by Manhattan standards, and many have private terraces overlooking the harbor.
- The Club: This is the private side. It’s where the "seen and be seen" crowd hangs out. It includes a gym, a spa, and multiple dining rooms.
- The Event Space: They host weddings and massive gala events in the Great Hall. If you’ve seen photos of a high-fashion party in a room with green iron columns, it was probably here.
The Practical Side: Getting There and What’s Around
Let’s be real for a second: the Financial District (FiDi) can be a bit of a ghost town on weekends, but 10 South Street is in a weirdly convenient spot. You have the 1 train at South Ferry, the R/W at Whitehall Street, and the 4/5 at Bowling Green all within a five-minute walk.
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If you’re just visiting the area, don't just stare at the Cipriani entrance.
Walk around the side. The building still functions as the ferry terminal for Governors Island. During the summer, this is the cheapest and best "mini-vacation" in NYC. You pay a few bucks, hop on the ferry right there at 10 South Street, and ten minutes later you’re on an island with no cars, great bike paths, and a massive hammock grove.
You’ve also got The Battery (formerly Battery Park) right next door. It’s been beautifully landscaped recently. If you have kids, the SeaGlass Carousel is right there and it’s legitimately cool, even for adults. It’s not your typical "horses on a stick" carousel; it’s glowing fiber-optic fish that move in a way that makes you feel like you’re underwater.
Is 10 South Street Worth the Hype?
It depends on what you're looking for.
If you want a quiet, residential neighborhood vibe, this isn't it. The area is loud. Ferries are constant. Helicopters take off from the nearby pad every few minutes. It is a high-octane part of the city.
But if you appreciate architecture and the "rebirth" of New York landmarks, it’s a masterpiece. Critics like Justin Davidson have pointed out how difficult it is to balance public use with private luxury in these historic buildings. While the upper floors are now a playground for the wealthy, the ground floor remains a vital transit hub. It’s a compromise. In a city where space is the ultimate currency, 10 South Street New York New York manages to be both a functional piece of infrastructure and a high-end destination.
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Some people hate the "privatization" of historic spaces. I get that. But without the investment from groups like Cipriani, there's a good chance this building would still be sitting there with boarded-up windows and pigeons living in the rafters.
Actionable Tips for Visiting
If you want to experience 10 South Street without spending $1,000 on a hotel room, here is the move.
First, check the schedule for Governors Island. Go on a weekday morning if you can. The ferry departs directly from the Battery Maritime Building. You get to walk through the historic hall, see the ironwork up close, and enjoy the water for the price of a subway ride.
Second, if you’re looking for a drink or a meal nearby but can't get into the private club, head over to The Dead Rabbit on Water Street. It’s a legendary cocktail bar in a historic building just a few blocks away. It captures that same "Old New York" energy but is open to everyone.
Third, time your visit for sunset. Stand on the promenade near the terminal. The way the light hits the green copper of the building and reflects off the harbor is one of those "only in New York" moments that actually lives up to the cliché.
Ultimately, 10 South Street New York New York represents the city's ability to constantly reinvent itself. It’s gone from a bustling ferry hub to a neglected shell to a pinnacle of luxury. Whether you’re there to catch a boat or to stay in a suite, it remains one of the most interesting corners of the Five Boroughs.
To make the most of your trip to this part of Lower Manhattan, make sure to download the NYC Ferry app beforehand. It allows you to skip the ticket lines at the terminal. Also, keep an eye on the weather; the wind off the harbor at South Street is usually 10 degrees colder than it is midtown. Dress accordingly. Explore the hidden corners of the Battery, check out the nearby Fraunces Tavern for a dose of Revolutionary War history, and take a moment to look up at the green facade of 10 South Street to appreciate the sheer scale of the 1909 craftsmanship.