Dumbo

As the former Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters continues its transformation into a modern, five-building mixed-use complex in Brooklyn Heights, photos of the project's first phase have been revealed. Designed by landscape architecture firm terrain, the former Watchtower complex, now known as Panorama, features three public gardens at grade level, as well as an architectural staircase. An open-air courtyard facing Furman Street will serve as a landscaped pocket park steps from the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
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Architecture And Design

K-pop boy band BTS brings Antony Gormley’s ‘New York Clearing’ to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Antony Gormley, “NEW YORK CLEARING,” 2020; Approximately 18km (11mi) of 25.4mm (1in) square section aluminum and steel spigots. Installation view, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 3, New York City, 2020. Photograph by Christopher Burke. © the artist

February 5, 2020

K-pop boy band BTS brings Antony Gormley’s ‘New York Clearing’ to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Top British sculptor Antony Gormley's "giant drawing in space" opened Wednesday at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 3 as part of an international public art project, Connect, BTS. The project is a collaboration between popular South Korean boy band BTS, who introduced the project's New York City installation, and a select group of artists in cities around the globe. The installation, "New York Clearing" (2020), will be open to the public from February 5 to March 27, 2020.
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Events & Things To Do

Dumbo’s Time Out Market adds rooftop igloos for festive cocktails

Photo: Time Out/Ali Garber

December 20, 2019

Dumbo’s Time Out Market adds rooftop igloos for festive cocktails

By Dana Schulz

Ever since Instagram made popular Midtown bar 230 Fifth's rooftop "igloos" an international sensation, other drinking and dining establishments have been hopping on the dome train, too. The latest comes from Dumbo's Time Out Market food hall, where guests can enjoy a special wintery cocktail menu in an enclosed bubble overlooking the Manhattan Bridge and skyline. Called the Rooftop Iglounge, the three domes are available on a first-come basis and can each accommodate eight guests.
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Soho House’s Dumbo location has a new retro rooftop lounge and taco stand

Photo credit: Nico Schinco courtesy of Soho House Dumbo House.

July 26, 2019

Soho House’s Dumbo location has a new retro rooftop lounge and taco stand

The ever-expanding Soho House brand added a Dumbo, Brooklyn "house" to its collection of exclusive, design-savvy members' club locations in 2018. As Dezeen reports, this summer the hospitality hotspot heats up even more with a new rooftop lounge that features a pop-up taco eatery, Siete. A laid-back retro feel to the decor complements the location's jaw-dropping river and bridge views with bright tropical hues like those used by celebrated Mexican architect Luis Barragán.
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Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory proposes new stand just steps from old Fulton Ferry spot

Rendering by Edward M. Weinstein Architecture + Planning, courtesy of the LPC

July 16, 2019

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory proposes new stand just steps from old Fulton Ferry spot

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory will open a new stand in Dumbo, just steps from its former home at Fulton Ferry Landing. After 17 years of operation in the landmarked Marine Fire Boat Station, the ice cream shop was not chosen by the Brooklyn Bridge Park during last year's request for proposals process. Instead, the organization went with Ample Hills Creamery as the building's new tenant. But according to Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory filed plans with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to open a new stand across the street from its old home.
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Food & Dining

MAP: Where to watch the 2019 4th of July fireworks

All map images courtesy of Macy’s

June 25, 2019

MAP: Where to watch the 2019 4th of July fireworks

The talented folks behind the hotly anticipated Macy’s Fourth of July live fireworks spectacular happening next Thursday evening have provided a detailed guide to the prime Manhattan spots for watching the night sky light up. Read on to get the scoop on official viewing points–and some unofficial favorites–and use the interactive map to make sure you’re in the right place when the pyrotechnics start at the Brooklyn Bridge.
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Events & Things To Do

Dumbo celebration marks the 10th anniversary of the iconic Archway’s public life

The Brooklyn Flea under the Archway. Photo: Noemie Trusty, courtesy of Dumbo Improvement District.

June 18, 2019

Dumbo celebration marks the 10th anniversary of the iconic Archway’s public life

On Friday, June 21, Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge–the "UMBO" of Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), so to speak. The Archway–one of the only covered outdoor spaces in New York City—has for the past decade served as the neighborhood's town square, giving hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors a prime public place for large-scale events, community gatherings, film shoots, art exhibitions and local start-up events. In celebration, expect food, music and visual arts exhibitions befitting a neighborhood with Dumbo's unique creative history.
Ahead, a transformation

April 29, 2019

$1.25M rustic loft brings a Western flair to Dumbo

Originally a warehouse building run by Kirkman & Son Soap Company, 50 Bridge Street in Dumbo was converted into loft condos in 2004 but retained much of its historic character. Those details are on full display in this south-facing loft, featuring two full walls of exposed brick and original columns. Currently configured as an open layout studio filled with rustic, western decor, the space measures just over 1,000 square feet and could easily be converted into a one-bedroom by its new owners. The square footage combined with a coveted location in the landmarked district of Dumbo earns this unit it’s $1,250,000 asking price.
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Distinctive Homes

Mixed feedback from LPC on proposed open-air pavilion at Fulton Ferry Landing

Rendering by Starling Architecture

April 9, 2019

Mixed feedback from LPC on proposed open-air pavilion at Fulton Ferry Landing

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday gave mixed reviews for a proposed new concession pavilion outside of the landmarked fireboat station at the Fulton Ferry Landing. The proposal, chosen last December by the Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP), includes constructing an outdoor restaurant and bar that would connect to an adjacent utility shed and sit in front of the two-story fireboat station, previously home to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. While Alex and Miles Pincus, the operators of the proposed space, designed the outdoor concession to be simple and airy, some LPC commissioners expressed concern over the structure possibly blocking views of Manhattan and the need to keep the space as open as possible.
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Sample the wares and see what’s new at NYC’s top flea and food markets

Image courtesy of Brooklyn Flea; photo credit: Scott Lynch

April 5, 2019

Sample the wares and see what’s new at NYC’s top flea and food markets

The city's local flea and food markets set up shop in springtime, bringing irresistible edibles and covetable goods to a neighborhood near you. Though dates and locations vary and favorite vendors come and go, the mighty market phenomenon keeps growing. The shop-and-nosh mecca Brooklyn Flea again changes locations (hello, WTC!), a favorite night market returns in Queens, and the Manhattan classics are back to offer more of what you didn't know you couldn't live without. Some of the best fairs are the most fleeting, and one-offs like the annual Renegade Arts and Crafts Fair are always worth the trip. The list below rounds up the city's top food and flea picks. Let the hunting and gathering begin!
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Events & Things To Do

Mr. Chow founder lists Dumbo penthouse with private courtyard and roof terrace for $6.5M

Listing images by Will Ellis of Donna Dotan Photography

April 1, 2019

Mr. Chow founder lists Dumbo penthouse with private courtyard and roof terrace for $6.5M

Michael Chow, founder of the Mr. Chow restaurant chain, has just put his Dumbo penthouse on the market for $6,495,000. It seems the restaurateur is moving to the West Coast, as earlier this month Chow and his wife bought two Los Angeles properties from pop star Katy Perry, as Mansion Global reported. Chow bought his three-bedroom duplex at 1 John Street in 2016 for $5,760,000. The modern abode spans across 2,600 square-feet and is one of four homes in the 42-unit building to have a private courtyard and a private roof terrace. You’ll be able to enjoy the views from inside as well since every room overlooks the river and Manhattan skyline.
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Time Out reveals more vendors and views of Dumbo food hall

Via Time Out Market

March 26, 2019

Time Out reveals more vendors and views of Dumbo food hall

Just ahead of its spring opening, Time Out Market has announced even more vendors for their upcoming 21,000-square-foot market in Dumbo’s Empire Stores. Brought to you by the same company as the freebie magazine Time Out New York, the food hall will feature 21 options, including a range of classic and new local spots, all vetted by Time Out food critics. "The culinary landscape in New York City is so diverse, and we are extremely proud to be showcasing many different cuisines, cooking styles and such outstanding personalities...we call it the democratization of fine dining," said Time Out Market CEO Didier Souillat. "Our mission is to serve New York on a plate."
Check out the full list of vendors

Food & Dining

Siah Armajani’s ‘Bridge Over Tree’ now open in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Siah Armajani: “Bridge Over Tree” 1970/2019; wood, steel and evergreen tree. Photo: Timothy Schenck.

February 21, 2019

Siah Armajani’s ‘Bridge Over Tree’ now open in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Iranian-born, Minneapolis-based artist Siah Armajani’s installation "Bridge Over Tree" (1970) was unveiled Wednesday at Brooklyn Bridge Park on the Empire Fulton Ferry Lawn between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. The seminal work, which was first shown as a temporary sculpture at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in 1970, is comprised of a 91-foot-long walkway with open, trussed sides and a shingled roof. A set of stairs at the sculpture's midpoint climb up and down over a small evergreen tree. This is the first re-staging of the installation in almost 50 years
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Events & Things To Do

See renderings of Morris Adjmi’s Front & York, Dumbo’s biggest new development

Renderings courtesy of Williams New York

January 22, 2019

See renderings of Morris Adjmi’s Front & York, Dumbo’s biggest new development

The future of the empty, former parking lot at 85 Jay Street was revealed last week when developers released new details and renderings of the highly-anticipated project. Named Front & York after its bordering streets, the development will be a 21-story residential and retail complex bringing 728 new apartments (a mix of condos and rentals) to the neighborhood. According to reporting by The Bridge, the development will be the largest yet in Dumbo and will supply enough housing to increase the population of the upscale neighborhood by 25 percent.
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Go inside Bjarke Ingels’ vibrant new U.S. headquarters in Dumbo

Photos by Max Touhey

January 11, 2019

Go inside Bjarke Ingels’ vibrant new U.S. headquarters in Dumbo

By Dana Schulz

Bjarke Ingels Group has certainly lived up to its moniker BIG, with studios in New York, Copenhagen, and London, 17 partners, more than 500 employees, and roughly 50 projects currently in development. To keep up with this astonishing growth, the 14-year-old firm recently moved its U.S. headquarters to a vibrant new space in Dumbo's 45 Main Street. The 50,000-square-foot office fits 250+ employees and boasts cool features like Brooklyn Bridge views, a private outdoor terrace, chromatized steel doors, and tons of furniture and lighting by Danish brand and BIG collaborator KiBiSi.
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First group of chefs revealed for Time Out’s food hall in Dumbo

Via Time Out Market

November 7, 2018

First group of chefs revealed for Time Out’s food hall in Dumbo

From the company that tells us where and what to dine in New York City, comes a brand new food hall with some seriously good eats. Time Out Group, the company behind freebie magazine Time Out New York, on Tuesday revealed the first group of chefs and concepts coming to its 21,000-square-foot space in Dumbo, expected to open in the spring. From NYC classics like the Mermaid Oyster Bar and Clinton St. Baking Co. & Restaurant to newbies like Alta Calidad, Time Out Market will offer a wide array of delicious bites.
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Food & Dining

New city-sponsored ‘freelancers hub’ will open in Dumbo

Image via Pexels

August 22, 2018

New city-sponsored ‘freelancers hub’ will open in Dumbo

In a city where two out of five workers is a freelancer, a significant workforce doesn't always have ready access to health care or even a tranquil space to work. The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment hopes to address those needs, among others, with a new freelancer's hub, the first government-backed initiative to help media freelancers across NYC with networking, legal and business assistance and advice on projects. Plans for the new hub, which will be located at the Made in NY Media Center in Dumbo, Brooklyn, were announced this morning by Made in NY Commissioner Julie Menin. The mayor's office is partnering with The Freelancers Union and Independent Filmmaker Project to create and operate the space, which will open in October.
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Brooklyn Bridge Park’s five-acre Pier 3 opens with an interactive labyrinth and moveable furniture

Photo by Nicholas Sella

July 11, 2018

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s five-acre Pier 3 opens with an interactive labyrinth and moveable furniture

With the opening of five lush waterfront acres of park at Pier 3 on Tuesday, Brooklyn Bridge Park is now 90 percent complete. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, it's the final pier to be converted into parkland and features two lawns surrounded by shrubs and trees, which will offer both shade and protection from gusts of wind. "Brooklyn Bridge Park is a gem that gleams brighter with each exciting acre it adds, building on our borough’s commitment to offer high-quality open space that brings people together from all walks of life," Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said.
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Architecture And Design

ODA reveals playful facade, outdoor space for former Jehovah’s Witnesses’ site in Dumbo

Rendering of 80 Adams Street courtesy of BH3 Partners

July 6, 2018

ODA reveals playful facade, outdoor space for former Jehovah’s Witnesses’ site in Dumbo

In the latest news from CityRealty, a new rendering of the exciting design for a 10-story, 165-unit building that will rise at the former Jehovah's Witnesses-owned property at 80 Adams Street has been revealed. Buyer Jeffrey Gershon of Hope Street Capital closed on the $60 million purchase of what was a single-story garage in November. ODA New York was listed on the permits, which meant we were likely to see an innovative design; now that design is here in rendering form.
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Historic fireboat gets marbled ‘dazzle’ design before it sets sail around the NY Harbor this summer

Photo by Nicholas Knight

June 29, 2018

Historic fireboat gets marbled ‘dazzle’ design before it sets sail around the NY Harbor this summer

Marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, local artist Tauba Auerbach has transformed a historic fireboat into a modern "dazzle" ship. First invented by British painter Norman Wilkinson during WWI, dazzle camouflage patterns were painted onto ships to distort their forms and confuse enemy submarines. The Public Art Fund and 14-18 NOW, a U.K.-based art program, commisioned the painting of the John J. Harvey fireboat, which first launched in 1931 and helped the FDNY extinguish fires until it retired in the 1990s. "With Flow Separation, I didn't want to ignore the John J. Harvey's identity, so I took the boat's usual paint job and scrambled it. Dragged a comb through it," Auerbach said. "The palette also exaggerates the fact that 'dazzle' was more about confusing and outsmarting, than about hiding."
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June 19, 2018

$7,000/month Dumbo triplex makes a splash with rustic details–and a rooftop beach

This classic industrial Dumbo loft at 50 Bridge Street is already ahead of the rental pack by being an extra-large one-bedroom, two-bath apartment that spans three levels. It has the prerequisite high ceilings and exposed beams plus a working fireplace, central A/C and large south-facing windows. It's asking $6,900 a month, which seems a bit steep (even with a swing in the middle of the living room), until you discover the massive private roof deck with all the summertime fun necessities including a hot tub, a cabana and more.
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How the cardboard box was accidentally invented in a NYC factory

55 Washington Street in 1907, courtesy of the Skyscaper Museum

June 7, 2018

How the cardboard box was accidentally invented in a NYC factory

New Yorkers are known for their innovative thinking: Inventions like Scrabble, credit cards, and even Baked Alaska all came from local creators. A little less exciting, but still a crucial contraption, the cardboard box was also invented in New York City. Like many discoveries, the box came to be only after a careless mistake. Scottish-born entrepreneur Robert Gair owned a paper bag factory on Reade Street in Manhattan. One day in 1879, a pressman accidentally cut through thousands of small seed bags, instead of pressing them. Following the accident, Gair, who moved headquarters to Dumbo, developed a method for the mass production of cardboard boxes and later supplied major companies like Kellogg and Nabisco.
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History

Time Out is bringing a food hall to the Dumbo waterfront this year

Via Time Out Market

March 29, 2018

Time Out is bringing a food hall to the Dumbo waterfront this year

Time Out Group, the British company that writes up everyone's favorite freebie magazine Time Out New York, announced on Wednesday that it will open a massive food hall in Brooklyn this year. Set to open between October and December, the 21,000-square-foot Time Out Market New York will be located in the Empire Stores at 55 Water Street in Dumbo. According to the company, the food market will feature a group of 20 restaurants hand-selected by the magazine's editors, three bars and a performance stage.
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January 23, 2018

$1.4M Dumbo loft is decked out with tin ceilings and locally crafted millwork

If you're looking to live in Dumbo, as many are, loft living is definitely the way to go. 50 Bridge Street, built in 1907 as a warehouse in what is now the waterfront neighborhood's landmarked historic district is offering this two-bedroom condominium loft with ceilings over 10 feet, a recent renovation, and plenty of modern convenience. Asking $1.425 million, the 1,259 square-foot space brings tin ceilings and millwork by a local craftsman to the mix, setting this loft apart from so many of its white-box-and-brick neighbors.
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Distinctive Homes

October 19, 2017

City officially pitches four neighborhoods for Amazon’s HQ2