This info provided by Ben:

For anyone that's working or thinking about working on this query:

Every building in NYC has a block and lot number assigned to it for tax and other related reasons. Pier 57 in Manhattan has block number 662, lot number 3.

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has an online Building Information System (BIS), where you can theoretically find out certificate of occupancy-related info on any structure in NYC: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/bis.html. The problem is, BIS has no records for Pier 57 (block 662, lot 3), so I don't know of any way to find out the information in the question without getting a hold of the right people at the DOB.

Today I've left phone messages with some people there, but haven't heard back. Perhaps others can successfully contact the DOB or another appropriate agency, or find a better way to pursue this problem?

Ben