A major multi-agency effort wrapped in DUMBO on Friday, where 26 blocks underwent a full historic restoration thanks to a $108 million infrastructure project led by the city Department of Design and Construction.
The initiative rebuilt cobblestone streets, installed new granite bike lanes, improved stormwater drainage and sewer systems and delivered the new Pearl Street Plaza. This is all while preserving the neighborhood’s signature historic look, officials said.
“This special project helped preserve the historic feel of DUMBO, establish a world-class permanent plaza on Pearl Street, and create a new neighborhood bike network of smooth, granite paths built into the cobblestone streets,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
Officials said the work maintained DUMBO’s character while upgrading essential infrastructure beneath the surface. New storm sewers, water mains and sanitary systems were installed to reduce combined sewer overflows and improve harbor water quality.
Above ground, residents gained restored cobblestone streets, granite curbs, wider sidewalks and a connected bike network built into the roadway.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission also approved restoration of historic Belgian blocks and the use of new materials designed to blend seamlessly with the DUMBO and Vinegar Hill Historic Districts.
Project Highlights
- 26 blocks restored with full cobblestones and historically accurate granite curbs
- Gold Street converted from asphalt to cobblestone
- 12,000+ feet of granite curbs and 117,000 sq. ft. of pigmented sidewalks installed
- 114 ADA-compliant ramps added
- 8,800 feet of granite bike lanes built
- New Pearl Street Plaza: 2,500 square yards with lighting, seating, planters and fencing
- Stormwater improvements: over three miles of upgraded sewers and water mains
- 32 existing catch basins upgraded and 46 new ones added
- Combined sewers converted to sanitary sewers to reduce harbor pollution
- Nine new fire hydrants and two new trees added
“This was a very complicated project in one of the city’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, with very old infrastructure and narrow cobblestoned streets, and it accomplished multiple goals for residents and visitors alike,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle.
Cobblestones removed during construction were stored and returned to their original locations at the community’s request, preserving the historic street patterns as closely as possible.
Preserving History Beneath the Streets
The city worked with historic preservationists throughout construction, uncovering more than 2,800 artifacts, some dating back to the late 1600s but most from the 1800s and early 1900s.
Items included ceramics, glassware, metal and leather goods, animal bones and other remnants of early domestic life.
Notable finds included a copper button featuring the New York State Excelsior symbol and a clay smoking pipe stamped with a Liberty Eagle motif. The city is now exploring options to display the artifacts publicly.
