Brooklyn Bridge Park celebrated its 15th anniversary Tuesday with the official opening of the newly designed Pier 1 Pavilion and Entryway.
The new entryway sits atop a gently sloped knoll surrounded by honey locust and ginkgo trees and offers views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The pavilion features three stone structures, open-air walkways with two-tone pavers and a cantilevered roof, according to a press release.
The pavilion’s roof is equipped with photovoltaic shingles expected to generate enough energy to power Pier 1, helping the park achieve net-zero energy usage. Inside, vibrant green porcelain penny tiles and an overhead oculus add design elements inspired by the surrounding environment.
“As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, today marks an exciting moment in the transformation of this space from an abandoned area to one of New York City’s most beloved public parks,” said Eric Landau, president of Brooklyn Bridge Park.“With the opening of the new Pier 1 Pavilion and Entryway, we have created a vibrant destination in the park, where visitors can meet, gather and enjoy this incredible public space.”
The pavilion also includes the park’s first private family and gender-neutral restrooms, reinforcing its inclusive design.
The event also marked the opening of Breads Bakery’s first Brooklyn café, located adjacent to the new pavilion. The bakery, known for its signature babka and artisanal pastries, adds to the park’s culinary offerings with a full menu of sweet and savory items.
Local officials praised the improvements as a reflection of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s evolution into a model for urban waterfront revitalization.
Congressman Dan Goldman commended the project, saying it would attract more visitors to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
