Brooklyn Bridge Park seeks developer for northern property

December 17, 2012 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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A new residential building is coming to the DUMBO waterfront. Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease, development and operation of a vacant parcel at the northern end of the park.

The waterfront lot is located on the waterfront just north-east of the Manhattan Bridge in the future John Street section of the park in DUMBO.  The site allows for up to 130 residential units with a maximum height of 130 feet, up to 110 parking spaces and ground floor retail.

This section of the park is approximately 1.5 acres and will serve as the Park’s northern entrance.  The build-out of this section is fully-funded and will include an innovative waterfront design, pedestrian bridges over tidal salt marsh, tree-lined pathways, and a 13,000 square foot gathering lawn.  

The site, currently owned by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison), will be acquired by Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp (BBPDC), who will then transfer control of the site to BBP.  BBP expects to commence construction on this section of the park immediately upon acquiring the John Street lot and complete the build-out within one year.  

Revenue generated by the development of the site – as set forth in the 2002 agreement that allowed the park project to move forward – will help fund the ongoing maintenance and operations of the Park.

“Brooklyn Bridge Park has become an iconic destination for people from around the five boroughs and around the world,” said Robert K. Steel, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation Chairman. “The development of the John Street site will attract private investment that will create jobs and draw new visitors to DUMBO while ensuring a stable financial footing for the Park for generations to come.”

“The addition of the residential development at the John Street site represents a critical element of our park maintenance plan,” said Regina Myer, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park. “This development will not only benefit the DUMBO community, it will further activate the northern end of the park.”

The RFP requires respondents to submit plans that demonstrate “responsiveness to the site design guidelines and a level of design that is on par with the investment made on the part of the public sector,” according to Brooklyn Bridge Park development Corporation.  

The proposals must be responsive to criteria including financial feasibility, green building components and the project’s responsiveness to the surrounding community. Because the site is located within the 100-year flood plain, proposals should also incorporate flood protection measures into the design.

The responses to the RFP are due on March 11, 2013. There will be a site visit and information session on January 23, 2013.

Read a further update on this story by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle online.

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