Grand Army Plaza's Impending Makeover

“No one cares to cross it. It is devoid of all life and is a stony waste. It is suggestive of Siberia in winter and Sahara in summer.” This was how an 1888 report by Brooklyn’s Parks Commission described Grand Army Plaza, the Calvert Vaux- and Frederick Law Olmstead-designed entrance to Prospect Park. Clearly, it gets plenty of use these days, but navigating the 11-acre space, either by car or on foot, can be both nerve-wracking and dangerous. So, the New York Times reports, a group called the Grand Army Plaza Coalition is working to get GAP redesigned, this time with cars (and pedestrians) in mind. Two hundred groups submitted proposals to the Design Trust for Public Space, and 30 finalists were chosen; on September 12, a jury, including our own Mr. B, will announce the winner.
In the Heart of Brooklyn, No Man's Island [NY Times]
Grand Army Plaza. Photo by Tanuzzo Design Studio.

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are the designs anywhere online, or do you have to brave the GAP traffic to see them?

Posted by: z at September 3, 2008 10:14 AM

I drove all over the city for years, for a former job, and consider myself a competent NYC road warrior, but I have to say that GAP scares me to death. Whenever I do drive now, I do my best to avoid being there, unless it's really early or late, and there is little traffic. Any improvement in the driving pattern would be a godsend.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 3, 2008 11:01 AM

Upon further thought, I'm not over there all that much, but it is a huge underutilized pedestrian space, and is quite beautiful and grand. I would love to see the different plans, and see what can be done to make it more user friendly, as well as more efficient for cars, which are a necessary evil.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at September 3, 2008 11:04 AM

I know, MM. It's this magnificent space that scares the crap out of everyone. I can't wait to see what they do.

Posted by: bxgrl at September 3, 2008 11:12 AM

The best plan I've heard is to bury Flatbush Avenue from Prospect Park until past the Williamsburgh Savings Bank. Hopefully it will happen.

Posted by: Polemicist at September 3, 2008 11:18 AM

Polestar, are you putting the highway beneath the IRT?

Posted by: altervoce at September 3, 2008 1:17 PM

All the designs will be available for viewing online at www.ReinventingGAP.org on September 12th, after the winners are announced. You will also have the opportunity to vote for your favorite in the People's Choice Award. Voting can be done at the exhibit via text message or on the website.

Join us on September 13th from 11am-4pm for an opening day celebration. There will be live music, food, tours and opportunities to speak with the designers about their schemes. The day will be topped off by a free performance by Brooklyn's own STREB dancers in the center of the plaza, near the arch!

Posted by: iheartpublicspace at September 3, 2008 2:03 PM

PS - the STREB performance is at 3PM. Get there early!

Posted by: iheartpublicspace at September 3, 2008 2:04 PM

Who needs a re-design, just bring back the Death-O-Meter!

http://www.edrants.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/deathometer.jpg

Posted by: Knickerbocker at September 3, 2008 7:21 PM

Knickerbocker, that is an amazing picture. I don't think the concept would fly these days, but perhaps it was the precursor to those current in your face "The Truth" stop smoking ads.

Posted by: Biff Champion at September 4, 2008 9:09 AM

Hello there, i'm tanuzzo design studio and i'd like to give thanks to have chosen my photo! Thank you so much! :-D

Posted by: tanuzzo design studio at September 7, 2008 6:05 PM

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September 3, 2008

Grand Army Plaza's Impending Makeover

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