4. Gateway to Brooklyn
Concept rendering of Brooklyn Bridge Plaza. Image credit: WXY architecture + urban design.
The Brooklyn Strand Urban Design Action Plan notes that visitors are “greeted with an abysmal entrance” when entering Brooklyn off the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkaway. Currently, the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge stair entrance is located under the bridge on Cadman Plaza East at Prospect Street. It is narrow and not easily discernible for visitors and locals alike.
Concept rendering of Brooklyn Bridge Plaza. Image credit: WXY architecture + urban design.
To the south of this entrance sits Cadman Plaza Park, which ends at the Brooklyn Bridge southbound Cadman Plaza West exit ramp. This creates a unique opportunity to create a pedestrian friendly walkway as the northeast tip of the Park slopes up while Cadman Plaza West slopes down. Bridging this space will provide continuous pedestrian access from the park to the Brooklyn Bridge promenade.
The spaces underneath access ramps and parkland next to the Bridge would all be activated — possibly used for public markets or recreation space.