NYC Parks issues Request for Expressions of Interest to Activate Anchorage Plaza, Downtown Brooklyn

Anchorage Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn. Image via nycparks

NYC Parks announced today that a Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) has been issued for the temporary and seasonal implementation of programming, amenities, events, and development at Anchorage Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn.

Anchorage Plaza is surrounded by a busy and dynamic section of the Brooklyn Bridge, bound by Old Fulton, Front, York, Washington, and Prospect Streets with views of the Manhattan skyline. It is located between the vibrant and frequently visited historic districts of Brooklyn Heights and Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (“DUMBO”) neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

“Formerly a parking lot and construction staging area, Anchorage Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn has tremendous potential as a public space with seasonal amenities,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “With its stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, Anchorage Plaza is a prime location for creative activations. I’m looking forward to seeing the plaza come alive and I encourage anyone interested to respond to this RFEI with their vision for transforming this new public space.”

Prior to 2009, a portion of the plaza was a parking concession. In 2009, the City of New York’s Department of Transportation (“DOT”) started to occupy the site to inspect and make needed repairs to the Brooklyn Bridge. As DOT decreases their footprint at the site, Parks is seeking public input for a creative activation of this space for temporary and seasonal uses. With DOT continuing to work at the site, any potential concession area is expected to become available near the end of 2023 or in the beginning of 2024.

If upon review by Parks, a new concession idea appears to be feasible, appropriate and advantageous to the City, Parks will then consider beginning the concession solicitation process through the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP).

All proposals for this RFEI must be submitted no later than April 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

The RFEI is available for download on Parks’ website. To download the RFEI, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/businessopportunities and, after logging in, click on the “download” link that appears adjacent to the RFEI’s description.

For more information, prospective proposers may contact Barbara Huang, Project Manager, at (212) 360-3490 or at Barbara.Huang@parks.nyc.gov.