Parts of Downtown Brooklyn to get a $40 million makeover

By Brooklyn Magazine Staff

Downtown Brooklyn could be getting a $40 million face-lift that includes redesigned public spaces, new art and improvements for walkers.

Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday that the multiagency project is part of his efforts to “reimagine our city, reinvigorate our neighborhoods, and revitalize our business districts: with more room to walk, to bike, and to enjoy retail and restaurants safely,” he said.

Roughly $8 million of the project is focused on Fulton Street, which NYC Parks announced will be reinvigorated with new street trees and additional seating that is “contributing to a more attractive streetscape,” the agency said in a release.

The remaining $32 million is being spent on a Department of Transportation-led project that adds wider sidewalks for pedestrians and improves traffic safety at five intersections along Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Pacific Street. More protected bike lanes and a dedicated bus-only lane are also being built in that area.

Regina Myer, president, of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, said the changes will improve the “downtown experience for shoppers, office workers and residents alike,” and solidifies the area as a “nationwide leader in creating a people-first downtown.”

A completion date wasn’t announced, but some projects (like the bus lane) will be finished later this summer.

This makeover follows the announcement of a badly needed $50 million renovation at MetroTech Center — which is being renamed to Brooklyn Commons. Renovation has begun on several office buildings and reimagined public spaces. A new year-round arts and entertainment venue housing free events is also planned to be built.

Elsewhere, Adams also announced in May that Broadway Junction, the area surrounding the bustling subway station, is receiving a $495 million makeover that the city hopes will revitalize the East New York neighborhood.