Plaza Redesign
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.(Garrison Architects)
"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.
