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Restoration
Plaza Gets a New Look!
Bedford
Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation has begun
the first phase of an extensive renovation
at Restoration Plaza, beginning with
the redesign of the Fulton Street façade
and West Plaza.
When the renovations are complete,
the Plaza will boast a more airy, open, and
pedestrian-friendly design.
The
West Plaza redesign formally launched in
early 2006 with the demolition of the
façade, and will include expanded
pedestrian access and street-level views to
the inner courtyard, upgraded lighting and
signage, a video projection screen, an
outdoor dining area, and an interactive and
educational “Walk of Fame,” honoring
Restoration’s founders and other community
activists.
Future
plans include the incorporation of animated
water features, an outdoor lawn, and an
indoor/outdoor pavilion that will allow
accommodate events for upwards of 600
people.
The
design team for the project is led by James
Garrison of Garrison Architects, and
includes Shawn
Rickenbacker, an architect from Creative
Front, and landscape architect Judith Heintz."We
recognized the high-potential appeal that
will be created by transforming the
appearance and flow of the plaza to reflect
the openness, optimism and creativity of
today’s community,” says James Garrison,
whose award-winning firm is known for
inventive, environmentally-responsible
design.
The design incorporates the neighborhood’s
rich history and personality, while
maximizing its utility for merchant,
business tenants, shoppers and visitors
alike. Renovation
and modernization of the Plaza is central to
Restoration’s vision of neighborhood
revitalization in Central Brooklyn.
The
renovation project was sparked in part by
the Fulton First Retail Redevelopment Plan
and $795,000 from the New York City’s
Department of Small Business Services.
Council member Albert Vann and New York
City Council committed $8 million towards
the total cost, and Borough President Marty
Markowitz and the Mayor Bloomberg committed
another $2.5 million for the renovation of
Billie Holiday Theatre.
The
Plaza’s newest tenants -- Foodtown, Duane
Reade, Washington Mutual, and Applebee’s--
have invested or committed to invest a total
of $8 million in improvements to
their spaces.
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Removal of Fulton
Street facade represents first phase of
renovation.
Overview of West Plaza
and new design elements.
West Plaza mezzanine
with view of projection screen.
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Restoration Redesign