This has been largely overshadowed by the development of the High Line park, but this one has also been moving steadily forward, with two segments planned to open later this year at opposite ends of the park. And it's no less exciting to me...
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categor...id=10&id=28816
Brooklyn Bridge Park Slowly Takes Shape
by Dennis Holt
06-12-2009
BROOKLYN — The major development regarding Brooklyn Bridge Park reported in the Eagle on Thursday had to take place sometime, but all attention has been focused on the new stuff going up on Piers 1-6.
So the positive news about the “other” part of Brooklyn Bridge Park surprised a lot of people. In fact, the DUMBO part of the new waterfront park is now officially a part of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Fulton Ferry State Park, a large part of it landfill, is also now Brooklyn Bridge Park. The classic buildings — the Empire Stores and the Tobacco Warehouse — are now in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
All of this came about with the stroke of a few pens in New York and Albany and the promise by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation to fork over 99 bucks through 2108 to the State Parks department. Does anyone expect to be around by then?
This non-dramatic transfer of many acres runs counter to all the high drama of almost 30 years in the evolution of Brooklyn Bridge Park, but, again, almost all that drama concerned Piers 1 to 6.
come, more people will look with interest to the east of the Brooklyn Bridge. For one thing, there will be a dramatic new carousel added to that site — Jane’s (as in Walentas) Carousel — to be housed in what is said to be a stunning glass-dominated structure designed by Jean Nouvel. This will become a big draw.
Another element that most people have forgotten is part of the original housing plan for revenue creation. A new residential building was expected to be built near Jay Street. One may still be constructed, but it has been held up because of the economy. Expect construction to begin early next year.
But the big news about development concerns the landmarked Tobacco warehouse and Empire Stores. The latter is a very tough nut to crack because of its internal architecture — vertical support beams dominate the entire space. This restricts planning options.
The park development team will issue a request for proposals, but don’t expect too many responders. For sure, David Walentas will be one: he’s had his eye on the Stores for some time, thinking of arts and culture venues and possibilities. Also for certain will be a rooftop restaurant on the eastern part of the building.
And since the Dock Street project has been approved, St. Ann’s Warehouse will need a new home. All sensible and practical eyes have been focused on the Tobacco Warehouse. If a roof is installed, it will be a logical solution as well as a park revenue raiser.
But there will also be opposition to this because a roofed theater will also be a big draw. People who have opposed almost any development that increases the flow of people will oppose that plan. (One element of the opposition to the Dock Street project that was never mentioned was the 450-car parking garage. The garage will draw people to that part of the new park, and available parking will also draw drivers to Warehouse performances.)
So at a time when two important sections of the park are being built — the two entrances to the pier portions — a major resolution of the DUMBO half of Brooklyn Bridge Park has also taken place.