Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion

For New Yorkers, a visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park is an essential part of experiencing the city's vibrant waterfront. And now, the experience has been elevated with the grand unveiling of the Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion. This thoughtfully designed addition serves as a magnificent gateway to one of the city's most beloved green spaces, offering not just an entry point, but a destination in itself. It's a testament to Brooklyn Bridge Park's ongoing commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and enhancing the visitor experience for every local and tourist.

The Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion is more than just a new building; it's a beautifully integrated space that redefines how many of us will interact with this iconic park. Situated at the very base of the majestic Brooklyn Bridge, the pavilion, designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, creates a serene yet sophisticated 'front porch' to Brooklyn. One of the most exciting aspects, as highlighted by local news, is its commitment to sustainability, with photovoltaic shingles on the roof expected to generate enough energy to achieve net-zero status for all of Pier 1. Furthermore, the inclusion of much-needed public restrooms, including the park's first private family and gender-neutral facilities, addresses a crucial amenity gap for park-goers. And for those seeking a delightful treat, the new Breads Bakery outpost within the pavilion offers their renowned artisanal pastries and coffee, adding a delicious layer to your park visit. This new entryway truly enhances the park's accessibility and provides an inviting space for New Yorkers to gather, relax, and soak in the unparalleled views that Brooklyn Bridge Park is famous for.

The Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion is strategically located at Brooklyn Bridge, Bridge Park Drive, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. This address places it directly at the northern entrance of Brooklyn Bridge Park, at the foot of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and within the thriving Dumbo neighborhood. Its prominent position makes it a natural starting point for many visitors exploring the park and its surrounding areas.

Accessibility to the Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion is excellent for New Yorkers utilizing various transportation methods. For subway commuters, the F train to York Street and the A/C train to High Street are both within a comfortable walking distance, allowing for a pleasant stroll through the historic cobblestone streets of Dumbo leading directly to the park entrance. The 2/3 train to Clark Street, or the R, 4, and 5 trains to Borough Hall, also offer viable options, generally involving a slightly longer but equally scenic walk through Brooklyn Heights down to the waterfront. Several bus routes also serve the Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights areas, providing additional connectivity. For cyclists, the pavilion is directly accessible via the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian and bike paths, and it seamlessly connects to the extensive network of bike lanes within Brooklyn Bridge Park, with bike racks available nearby. The NYC Ferry also has convenient landings at Pier 1 and Pier 6, offering a unique and often picturesque way to arrive by water. While street parking in Dumbo can be limited, paid parking garages are available in the vicinity. The thoughtful design of the entryway, featuring gently sloping paths and wide stairways, further ensures ease of access for all visitors, including those with strollers or mobility aids, making it a truly welcoming point of entry to the park.

• Welcome and Information Point: The pavilion serves as a prominent welcome point for visitors entering Brooklyn Bridge Park, offering clear wayfinding and potentially information about park amenities and events.
• Public Restrooms: A significant addition to the park, the pavilion features thoughtfully designed public restrooms, including the park's first private family and gender-neutral facilities, addressing a long-standing need for park-goers.
• Concessions (Breads Bakery): The pavilion houses a new outpost of Breads Bakery, offering a delightful selection of artisanal pastries, breads, sandwiches, salads, and coffee, perfect for a grab-and-go snack or a leisurely break.
• Elevated Seating and Views: The pavilion provides elevated seating areas that offer expansive views of the East River, the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and deeper into Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• Sheltered Gathering Space: The cantilevered roof provides shelter, making it a comfortable meeting point or refuge during various weather conditions.
• Accessibility: Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring gently sloping paths and wide stairways to accommodate all visitors.
• Architectural Landmark: The pavilion itself is a service, as its award-winning design adds to the aesthetic and civic quality of the park, creating a new "comfortable civic landmark."
• Renewable Energy Source: Equipped with photovoltaic shingles, the pavilion generates energy, contributing to the park's sustainability goals and powering Pier 1.

• Iconic Brooklyn Bridge Views: Offers a truly unique and breathtaking vantage point directly beneath the monumental arches of the Brooklyn Bridge, providing unparalleled photographic opportunities and a sense of architectural wonder.
• Panoramic Cityscape: Features expansive views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, including prominent skyscrapers and the historic waterfront.
• Sustainable Design: A standout highlight is its commitment to sustainability, with photovoltaic shingles on the roof designed to achieve net-zero energy status for Pier 1, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to urban infrastructure.
• Architectural Excellence: Designed by renowned firms Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, the pavilion's design is praised for its seamless integration with the landscape, use of natural materials (like stone), and thoughtful elements such as the oculus connecting visitors with the sky.
• Enhanced Amenities: The introduction of state-of-the-art public restrooms, including family and gender-neutral options, significantly improves the visitor experience and addresses a critical need.
• Breads Bakery On-Site: The inclusion of a Breads Bakery café means visitors can enjoy high-quality artisanal baked goods and coffee right at the park's entrance.
• Elevated Knoll and Grove of Trees: Situated atop a small knoll amidst a grove of honey locust and ginkgo trees, the pavilion feels nestled within nature while offering elevated views.
• Seamless Park Integration: The two-tone pavers and gently sloping paths ensure a natural flow from the street into the park, making the entryway feel like an extension of the natural landscape.
• Historical Tribute: While named for Emily Warren Roebling (the broader plaza), the pavilion contributes to the overall tribute to the Brooklyn Bridge's legacy and those who built it.

As a newly unveiled public amenity within Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion itself is free and open for public access, providing a valuable resource without any admission fees or special offers required for entry. This commitment to free public space is a cornerstone of Brooklyn Bridge Park's mission, ensuring accessibility for all New Yorkers and visitors.

While the pavilion does not offer direct promotions for its entry, the new Breads Bakery location within the pavilion will provide its regular menu of artisanal baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, and salads, available for purchase. Visitors can enjoy these offerings at standard pricing. Additionally, Brooklyn Bridge Park, as a whole, frequently hosts a wide variety of free public programs and events throughout the year. These can range from outdoor film screenings on the Harbor View Lawn, free fitness classes, children's workshops, art installations, and seasonal festivals. The Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion serves as an ideal starting point for exploring these various offerings. To stay informed about any current or upcoming free events that might coincide with your visit to the Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion, locals are strongly encouraged to check the official Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy website. Their event calendar is regularly updated and provides comprehensive details on how to take full advantage of the park's dynamic and enriching public programming.

The Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion is an integral part of Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is managed by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy in partnership with NYC Parks. As such, inquiries related to the pavilion, its services, or general park information can be directed through the main contact channels for Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Address: Brooklyn Bridge, Bridge Park Drive, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA (This address points to the general location of the Pier 1 entrance where the Pavilion is situated).

For the most current information regarding pavilion hours, Breads Bakery hours, accessibility details, or any special events, it is highly recommended to visit the official Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy website. This resource provides comprehensive and up-to-date information for planning your visit. For broader New York City park inquiries or to report maintenance concerns in a public park, you can also contact NYC Parks directly by dialing 311.

For New Yorkers, the Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion is far more than just a new park structure; it's a significant enhancement to one of our city's most cherished public spaces, making it even more suitable and appealing for locals. Its introduction represents a thoughtful evolution of Brooklyn Bridge Park, addressing practical needs while elevating the overall experience of this world-class waterfront destination. The inclusion of modern, accessible, and inclusive public restrooms is a substantial benefit, providing a much-needed amenity that significantly improves comfort for families and all park-goers.

The presence of Breads Bakery within the pavilion means that a high-quality coffee and pastry are now conveniently available right at the park's entrance, perfect for a morning stroll or an afternoon pick-me-up. Beyond these practicalities, the pavilion's stunning design and the unique views it offers from directly beneath the Brooklyn Bridge provide a fresh perspective on familiar landmarks, allowing locals to rediscover the beauty of their city. Its commitment to sustainability also aligns with New Yorkers' growing appreciation for environmentally conscious urban development. Whether it’s a quick stop for a coffee and a view, a meeting point for friends before exploring the park, or simply a convenient and aesthetically pleasing entry point to an entire day of waterfront enjoyment, the Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion seamlessly blends functionality with iconic beauty, solidifying its place as an indispensable and welcomed addition to Brooklyn's vibrant public landscape.

Pier 1 Entryway and Pavilion

Brooklyn Bridge, Bridge Park Drive, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA