The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation will soon break ground on two acres of public area surrounding the iconic structure’s exit ramp in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Most recently, the Landmarks Preservation Commission reviewed plans to construct a new pedestrian plaza beneath the bridge, closest to Pier 1.
These plans include extensive landscaping, the installation of new asphalt and concrete pavement, salvaged granite seating, and traditional park benches. To help ensure public safety, the project team has also proposed new security bollards, discreet abutment lighting, and weather-proof light fixtures mounted on metal poles.
The site is currently occupied by a fenced-off lot at 11 Water Street, the historic smokestack building, the Empire Fulton Ferry Lawn, and a number of pedestrian pathways.
Rendering of proposed (left) and existing (right) public spaces under the Brooklyn Bridge – Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation
Map of existing plaza surrounding Brooklyn Bridge Park – Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation
Illustration of proposed public spaces and circulation at the Brooklyn Bridge Plaza – Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation
According to Eric Landau, president of Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, the unifying goal of the project is to create a continuous public promenade along the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront. Construction costs are estimated at $8 million and the project is expected to wrap by December 2021.
Landau’s presentation to Community Board 2 on April 27 was met with unanimous support.
Rendering of proposed public spaces under the Brooklyn Bridge Plaza – Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation
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This is fantastic! It’s been a fenced off gravel lot for years and I always thought it was wasted potential
Cool
The area under the bridge was where the Brooklyn Flea was held. It became a staging area for construction equipment for the renovation of the bridge. However, original plans, never realized, were for an ice skating rink there.
I used to go there all the time when the area was under control of NY State Parks, but since the place became such a tourist magnet—and Two Trees kicked out so many shops and original tenants (PS Bookstore, etc.), I seldom go to DUMBO nowadays.
Unifying the parts of the waterfront split by the bridge is long overdue and thus looks like a fine plan toward that end.
There used to be an area right around here, under the bridge, paved with Belgian block. It was a popular spot to pose cars for “beauty shots” to be used in advertising.
The plan to Connect Downtown Brooklyn to its Waterfront (i.e., Brooklyn Strand) has been advancing at a glacial pace, but this seems a core piece of that initiative. Glad to see.
Concrete pavers look like garbage around year 5 and only get worse after that…