New York City Completes $108 Million Transformation of Historic DUMBO Streets
New York City officials on Tuesday announced the completion of a major $108 million infrastructure upgrade in DUMBO, marking the restoration of 26 historic blocks, extensive drainage improvements, new bike lanes, and the creation of a permanent public plaza near the Manhattan Bridge.
The multi-agency effort—led by the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)—began in 2019 and is considered one of the most complex street-restoration projects ever undertaken in the neighborhood.
The project restored or rebuilt tens of thousands of cobblestones, many of which were removed, catalogued, and reinstalled in their original locations to preserve DUMBO’s historic character. Twenty-five blocks saw full cobblestone restoration, while one asphalt block was fully converted to stone. In addition, more than 12,000 feet of new granite curbs, nearly 117,000 square feet of new sidewalks, and 114 ADA-accessible ramps were installed.
“This project preserves DUMBO’s historic charm while creating safer, modern streets,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, noting the integration of smooth granite bike lanes built directly into the cobblestone layout.
Beneath the rebuilt streets, crews installed more than three miles of upgraded or new storm sewers, sanitary lines, and water mains. The improvements are designed to reduce sewer overflows, prevent backups, and help improve water quality in New York Harbor. DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said the upgrades balance “21st-century infrastructure with 19th-century streetscape preservation.”
A centerpiece of the project is the new Pearl Street Plaza, a 2,500-square-yard public space featuring granite pavers, lighting, seating, planters, and a restored archway beneath the Manhattan Bridge.
During excavation, workers uncovered approximately 2,800 artifacts dating from the late 1600s through the mid-20th century, including ceramics, glassware, metal objects, animal bones, and notable items such as a 19th-century New York State Excelsior button and a clay smoking pipe with a Liberty Eagle motif. The city is exploring options for exhibiting the items publicly.
DDC Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle praised the collaboration between agencies, local stakeholders, and preservationists. “This project revitalized some of the city’s oldest streets while delivering critical underground upgrades,” he said.
The restoration also added nine new fire hydrants, two trees, and 8,800 feet of granite-slab bike lanes, forming a continuous network through one of Brooklyn’s most-visited waterfront neighborhoods.
