Cowdell said with wide-open views of the water, the second floor of the terminal building would be perfect for a more upscale restaurant, perhaps even a seafood restaurant.

He noted that he lobbied a bit for more state funding during last week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ferry itself. EDIC was able to completely rebuild the Blossom Street Extension pier with $7.65 million in taxpayer funding. The bulk of the money, $5 million, came from the state Seaport Advisory Council and another $2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation. EDIC invested $650,000.

Cowdell estimates the new building would cost about $2.5 million to build.

“We are now aggressively looking for the funding,” he said.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Cowdell pointed out to state Sen. Thomas McGee, Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey and Gov. Deval Patrick that “the dirt area over there is our next dream. Hopefully we will all be here to celebrate that in the very near future.”

McGee has been a longtime, staunch supporter of the ferry. He said he believes the service, along with a terminal and restaurant, could go a long way toward attracting other waterfront development.

The McGee family took part in Monday’s maiden voyage of the new ferry, the Cetacea. McGee said he dropped his wife and daughter off for the 6:30 a.m. ferry, and he came back for the 8 a.m. ride.

“There is a lot connected to this,” McGee said. “This ferry isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning. I can’t wait to see the excitement that will build off this.”