BY JILL D’AMICO

The City has issued request for proposals for the creation of the new Willoughby Square, which some officials are calling a Brooklyn version of Bryant Park along Willoughby Street in Downtown.

The 1.15 acre City-owned site will mix business with pleasure – underneath Park there will be a 694-space parking garage, considered a boom for the bustling commercial area.

The park will be “passive” according to City officials, meaning there will not be any major recreation facilities, though they do promise landscaping and seating.
The RFP is seeking an operator for the garage under a long-term lease and to develop the park. Proposals are due at 4 p.m. on Oct. 12.

This announcement comes after the City announced it will invest $4 million to transform nearby Albee Square into the Herald Square of Brooklyn.

Albee Square currently features a shopping mall, slated to be demolished, and a small plaza area. Ground is expected to be broken for the area’s redevelopment in 2008, and office, residential and retail space will occupy the site when plans are complete.

Both Albee and Willoughby Square efforts are being made possible through $100 million in capital funds for sidewalk and street improvements and adding open space as called for in the Plan for Downtown Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Chamber worked with the City, elected officials and local developers on the plan and the rezoning of the downtown area which took place in 2004. 

Link to park RFP

Link to garage RFP