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The Archway

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The Archway is a 7,000 SF tunnel under the Manhattan Bridge, paved with historic Belgian block and boasting a 45' height. The Archway was closed for 17 years and used as a New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) facility for storing scrap metal. After years of our advocacy, DOT returned The Archway to the public.

100 years ago, the opening of the Manhattan Bridge expanded commerce and culture. Today we are creating a new program for an old bridge.

Working in partnership with NYC DOT and thanks to the in-kind support of Pearl Realty, Two Trees Management Co. and Ettinger Engineering, the Dumbo Improvement District was able to restore The Archway to the public for use as a pedestrian thoroughfare and venue for cultural events.

Working with Rogers Marvel Architects and Jim Conti Lighting Design, the Dumbo Improvement District has created a beautifully lit space that highlights the graceful vaulted ceiling and provides adequate lighting for walking. Benches that incorporate the existing storage brackets and the exposure of the Belgian blocks that form The Archway's base complete Roger Marvel's design that takes a minimalist approach by using existing materials at the site to emphasize the simple beauty of the structure.

The re-opening of The Archway is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. In addition to the great public space The Archway provides, it is also able to be used for community events. The Archway has been the host site for many events including the Brooklyn Flea, DUMBO Fight Night, the BID's Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration and live viewings of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

In 2010, the Dumbo Improvement District was given a Neighborhood Achievement Award in the Development Category by the New York City Department of Small Business Services and Mayor Bloomberg. More information - http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/html/neighborhood/naa_program_2010.html

For further information on these projects or to check out other priorities we have for the coming year the please read the
2007 Dumbo Improvement District Strategic Plan.

archived articles:

Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

On May 21, 2008 the Improvement District unveiled an extensive public art project and upgrade to the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway as part of Mayor Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough...

DUMBO Arts

For the next year, we will be working to better understand the audiences that visit and participate in our DUMBO arts and culture scene. Creativity abounds in our neighborhood from the...

DUMBO Rezoning

::UPDATE:: On July 29, 2009, the City Council adopted the DUMBO Rezoning. The zoning map and text changes are now in effect.

The Dumbo Improvement District is proud to support...

Smart Environmental Efforts in DUMBO (SEED)

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Street Reconstruction

The Dumbo Improvement District remains an advocate for public investment in DUMBO's ailing infrastructure.

In September of FY07, we successfully completed a temporary...