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The New Brooklyn
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 5, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 5, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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The plans for the proposed buildings around the Brooklyn Nets arena have been revealed by architect Frank Gehry, and they show a dazzling group of skyscrapers at various angles. The NY Times calls it an "instant skyline" and notes that the plan is far from a sure thing, given that developer Bruce Ratner still faces a bit of community antipathy for his plans. But the excitement is best summarized by the first paragraph of Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff's glowing appraisal:
Frank Gehry's new design for a 21-acre corridor of high-rise towers anchored by the 19,000-seat Nets arena in Brooklyn may be the most important urban development plan proposed in New York City in decades. If it is approved, it will radically alter the Brooklyn skyline, reaffirming the borough's emergence as a legitimate cultural rival to Manhattan.
Quick, someone check on Marty Markowitz - he may have died and gone to heaven upon reading this. And check out this closing graf:
This is no small miracle. Even in this early stage of development, the design proves that Mr. Gehry can handle the challenge better than most. His approach is a blow against the formulaic ways of thinking that are evidence of the city's sagging level of cultural ambition. It suggests another development model: locate real talent, encourage it to break the rules, get out of the way.
If that isn't an FU to the planning at Ground Zero, Gothamist doesn't know what is.
What do you think of these plans? Do you think these buildings will be built? Will Brooklyn be hotter than ever? Or should Brooklyn stay the same? And here's a great feature on the stadium from New York magazine, plus the slideshow of Gehry's Brooklyn models.
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Nicolai Ouroussoff
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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