Witkoff Group – Pier 57

Witkoff Group – Pier 57

Category: Real Estate Advisory

Subcategory: RFP Responses, Business Strategy, Government Procurement

Problem: In 2002, the Hudson River Park Trust issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to develop Pier 57, a Pier off 14th Street and the West Side Highway. The Witkoff Group, a leading real estate firm, teamed up with legendary catering company, Cipriani, to submit a proposal for the pier. In order to compose the best possible proposal and increase its chances of success, the Client wanted to truly understand the needs and desires of the community.

Strategy: Capalino outlined and implemented an aggressive community outreach program to secure input and gain community support for the project. During the course of the decision-making period, Capalino arranged briefings of key community leaders, including government officials, and developed a sustainable community consultation process to ensure that community input was incorporated throughout the development and operation of the project.

Result: The Witkoff Group’s Pier 57 plan was thoroughly embraced by community with many community organizations and all of the local elected officials sending letters of support for the project. In April 2005, the Hudson River Park Trust Board voted to conditionally designate the Witkoff Group as the developer of Pier 57.