Trees, brownstones, baby strollers, Bobo flâneurs on leisurely passeggiatas after dinner, J. J. Byrne Park, maybe even Bill de Blasio—these are some pleasantries one may encounter traversing Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue, a Brooklyn street once dubbed “New York City’s coolest.”
But today, the two lane road with parking on both sides is often plagued by traffic congestion, and there have been pedestrian fatalities. In 2023, over 30 businesses recorded expensive property damage after the avenue flooded. Moreover, new high-rises going up on Fifth Avenue promise to bring an influx of residents to the neighborhood.
WXY is now partnering with the Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) to make the storied thoroughfare a “safer, more vibrant, and people-centered corridor.” The New York office shared a strategic vision this week that outlines its plan for wider sidewalks, additional seating, and greenery; safer intersections for pedestrians and cyclists; and less traffic congestion for better bus movement and improved loading zones.
“By pairing thoughtful design with a bold, community-driven approach,” said David Vega-Barachowitz, an associate principal and director of urban design at WXY, “we’ve created a model that not only serves Fifth Avenue but also sets a precedent for how New York streets can evolve into people-first spaces that support both community life and small businesses.”
The vision plan would impact the full expanse of Fifth Avenue—a total 30 blocks between Dean Street to the north at Barclays Center and 18th Street to the south in Bay Ridge. It calls for new public plazas and green spaces for additional seating; safer bike routes, and bike-related infrastructure; and enhanced green spaces and water management infrastructure.
All of this can happen while still maintaining Fifth Avenue’s character and supporting its over 500 local businesses, the firm said.
J. J. Byrne Park, the heart of Fifth Avenue, already hosts various vendors markets. There, WXY envisions a weekend plaza with more permanent fixtures taking hold between Third and Fifth Street.
There would be new gateway placemaking amenities at Dean Street, safety improvements at Union Street, and a new permanent plaza at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street. To the south, there would be new gateway architecture at Prospect Avenue.
Waste management technology, street seating, pocket parks, and microhubs would also be interspersed along Fifth Avenue.
Joanna Tallantire, Park Slope 5th Avenue BID executive director, said the vision plan “reflects the voices of our residents and businesses, who want 5th Avenue to remain a special place while also evolving to meet new need.”
Today, WXY is engaged in comparable urban design projects all over New York. In Jackson Heights, Queens, WXY has envisioned Paseo Park, a new linear pedestrian space, for instance.
WXY is also behind a master plan for Brooklyn Marine Terminal with SCAPE, One Architecture, and Buro Happold; and a capping plan for sections of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
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