Join Tour Leader Norman Oder on a tour of Atlantic Yards. Hugely controversial when proposed (in 2003) and later approved, the megaproject Atlantic Yards (in 2014 renamed Pacific Park Brooklyn) is at a crossroads. The tour will discuss the history of the Barclays Center, once set to be designed by Frank Gehry and later rescued by SHoP, its “accidental” plaza, and the towers that flank it. Participants will also observe what remains unresolved (and likely subject to debate): plans to deck an MTA rail yard for six towers, as well as an effort to transfer the bulk from Gehry’s unbuilt flagship tower, once slated to loom over the arena, to create a giant two-tower project across the street. With watchdog journalist Norman Oder, learn Atlantic Yards’ tangled history, uncertain timetable, changing designs (and ownership), and current questions about a new developer and an affordable housing deadline. Issues include public accountability, open space, arena design/operations, and the changing area context. We will walk around only part of the 22-acre site’s perimeter, focusing on the arena block and adjacent blocks. **_From Urban Omnibus: _**_Since the megaproject’s announcement in 2003, Atlantic Yards — now dubbed Pacific Park — has seen a parade of real estate developers and sports teams move in and out. Meanwhile, promises of public benefits remain unmet, and the possibility of foreclosure looms. For Urban Omnibus, veteran watchdog journalist and professional tour guide Norman Oder untangled the site’s many twists and turns in “[Watch This Space](https://urbanomnibus.net/2024/05/watch-this-space/),” more than a decade after he embarked on his “[Atlantic Yards Watch](https://urbanomnibus.net/2011/08/atlantic-yards-watch-tracking-daily-impacts/).” _ _See also: The ins and outs of modular construction at the development in “[Unruly Bits](https://urbanomnibus.net/2019/12/unruly-bits/)” and protest at Barclays Center in “[You’re Not Going to Tell Me When to Go Home](https://urbanomnibus.net/2020/09/youre-not-going-to-tell-me-when-to-go-home/).” _
Hugely controversial when proposed (in 2003) and later approved, the megaproject Atlantic Yards, renamed Pacific Park Brooklyn in 2014, is at a crossroads.
This tour, led by watchdog journalist Norman Oder, will discuss the history of the Barclays Center, once set to be designed by Frank Gehry and later rescued by SHoP, its “accidental” plaza, and the towers that flank it. Participants will also observe what remains unresolved (and likely subject to debate): plans to deck an MTA rail yard for six towers, as well as an effort to transfer the bulk from Gehry’s unbuilt flagship tower, once slated to loom over the arena, to create a giant two-tower project across the street.
Learn Atlantic Yards’ tangled history, uncertain timetable, changing designs (and ownership), and current questions about a new developer and an affordable housing deadline. Issues include public accountability, open space, arena design/operations, and the changing area context. The tour will walk around only part of the 22-acre site’s perimeter, focusing on the arena block and adjacent blocks.
From Urban Omnibus: Since the megaproject’s announcement in 2003, Atlantic Yards — now dubbed Pacific Park — has seen a parade of real estate developers and sports teams move in and out. Meanwhile, promises of public benefits remain unmet, and the possibility of foreclosure looms. For Urban Omnibus, veteran watchdog journalist and professional tour guide Norman Oder untangled the site’s many twists and turns in “Watch This Space,” more than 18 years after he embarked on his blog, now called Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report.
See also: The ins and outs of modular construction at the development in “Unruly Bits” and protest at Barclays Center in “You’re Not Going to Tell Me When to Go Home.”
This tour takes place outdoors. Guests are encouraged to dress according to the weather forecast and bring an umbrella if rain is forecasted.
Urban Omnibus 15: Offering "An Urban Omnibus-Eye View of New York City," this special series guest curated by Urban Omnibus examines enduring social and spatial questions in New York City through places and projects featured by the publication over its fifteen-year history. Explore more
150 Flatbush Avenue
Corner of Pacific Street and Flatbush Avenue, just outside the Brooklyn Bear's Community Garden, Brooklyn, NY 11217
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