New York, NY – September 23, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a developer to construct an approximately 1.15-acre street-level public space to be located on top of underground parking garage that it will also construct and operate. The Willoughby Square Project will occupy an approximately 50,000-square-foot site on Willoughby Street between Duffield and Gold Streets in Downtown Brooklyn.
“Downtown Brooklyn continues to expand and flourish as one of New York City’s most vital central business districts,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. “Investing in new open space, like the park at Willoughby Square, is an important part of our efforts to build on the momentum of this important neighborhood and foster the City’s economic growth.”
“The issuance of a Request for Proposals is yet another step forward in the city’s commitment to the Downtown Brooklyn Plan,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “This project will not only benefit our new residents and enhance Willoughby Square, City Point, our Downtown hotels and the newly refurbished Fulton Mall and Albee Square public space, but I am thrilled it will commemorate an important part of Brooklyn’s rich history—the abolitionist movement and Underground Railroad. I look forward to seeing some of the creative ideas out there that will continue the transformation of Willoughby Square and Downtown Brooklyn into a vibrant, 24/7, live-work urban center.”
Schematic design for Willoughby Square has been substantially completed by Hargreaves Associates and received conceptual approval from the Public Design Commission in August 2010. The Willoughby Square project will also include an artist-designed element to commemorate the 19th Century abolitionist movement, with particular attention to the Underground Railroad and its ties to Brooklyn. In October 2008, NYCEDC selected a team composed of the Brooklyn Historical Society, the Society for the Preservation of Weeksville and Bedford Stuyvesant History, and Irondale Productions, Inc. to develop and manage the project, “In Pursuit of Freedom.” The Commemorative Element will be fully integrated into the final Willoughby Square design.
In 2004, the City Council approved a special permit for the Willoughby Square Garage which allows for the construction of up to 694 parking spaces. In order to successfully integrate the Garage with the design of the open space known as Willoughby Square, the selected developer will be required to complete the design process for the entire project. This includes developing construction drawings for Willoughby Square and the Garage, as well as obtaining final approval from the New York City Public Design Commission.
To obtain a copy of the complete RFP, please visit www.nycedc.com/rfp. Responses are due on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 4 p.m.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
