RESTORATION PLAZA

Urban plaza surrounded by modern multi-story buildings with glass windows, illuminated signage, and steps, during twilight.

Restoration Plaza is the birthplace of the nation’s first community development corporation. Initiated as a grassroots movement, the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (BSRC) created Restoration Plaza on the site of an abandoned milk bottling plant. Since that time, the Plaza has become a town square and a center for education, commerce, and culture in Brooklyn. Restoration Plaza was to be transformed into a more open, accessible and vital neighborhood center and to reinforce the plaza as a commercial center.

City street scene with buildings, pedestrians, bicycles, traffic lights, and Applebee's restaurant.
Floor plan of a community center with labeled areas including market, garden, bank, retail/dining, relaxation, read, horticulture, retail viewing, great hall, entertain, lawn, oasis, shop, commerce, walk of fame, restaurant, movies, kiosks, theater, art, and various access points.

As Restoration Plaza exists to support its local community, our master plan began by connecting the plaza with the vibrant thoroughfare of Fulton Street.

By increasing visibility and access between the streetscape and the businesses and galleries of the West Plaza, visitors have been encouraged to gather here and linger for shopping, outdoor dining, and performances.

Architectural floor plan of an outdoor plaza with labeled seating, planters, and various buildings, including Building A, Building C, Building D, and the Stark Building, with a lobby, news stand, post office, and a daycare center at the bottom.
A detailed architectural drawing of a modern multi-story building with large windows and a parking area labeled "PARKING".
An aerial view of an outdoor shopping mall with a few people sitting on benches and walking, featuring tiled flooring and a modern storefront with glass doors and windows.
Modern building exterior with stairs, glass panels, and a clear blue sky.
Two people sitting on the steps outside a modern building with glass and concrete walls, one wearing a beige jacket and the other in a striped shirt and cap.

The space of the plaza itself has been redefined by a key symbolic addition, the Wall of Fame. Bearing digitally printed images of Restoration Plaza’s founders and other community leaders, the glass commemorative panels line the facades of the surrounding buildings. A projection screen and audio system are integrated into the glass skin to create a dynamic public space for outdoor movies and other events. At night, the plaza is flooded with light from the Wall of Fame. A four-story illuminated glass sign projects from the edge of the southwest building to announce the plaza’s presence.

Modern building facade with glass panels and brick wall, concrete steps leading to the entrance, and a woman carrying a backpack walking out.
Modern commercial building with glass windows, illuminated signs, and an Applebee's restaurant at night in an urban setting.

Client:

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp.

Status:

Constructed

Awards:

Building Brooklyn Awards

Type:

Architecture / Institutional

Completed:

2013

Size:

300,000 SF

Location:

Brooklyn, NY