Brooklyn Heights Promenade | Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is one of New York City’s most beloved urban landmarks. It is a pedestrian walkway located on the western edge of the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. Famous for its sweeping views, tranquil setting, and historical importance, the Promenade has become a treasured spot for both locals and tourists.

Location and Structure

The Promenade runs approximately 1/3 of a mile (about 1,826 feet) along the East River waterfront. It is situated above a section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), constructed in a unique three-tiered design. This cantilevered structure stacks two levels of highway beneath the walkway. This layout allows for uninterrupted pedestrian access while accommodating traffic below.

The promenade begins roughly at Remsen Street and continues north to Orange Street, with access points at various cross streets such as Montague, Clark, and Pierrepont.

Views and Atmosphere

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade offers unparalleled panoramic views of:

Lower Manhattan's skyline, including landmarks like One World Trade Center.

Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, spanning the East River.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, seen in the harbor to the southwest.

Governor’s Island and the New York Harbor with its active marine traffic.

Benches line the promenade, shaded by trees and bordered with planters, creating a calm, park-like atmosphere. It is a popular place for joggers, couples, families, and photographers.

Historical Background

The history of the Promenade dates back to the 1940s, during the planning of the BQE. The original highway proposal would have cut directly through the center of Brooklyn Heights, one of the oldest and most architecturally significant neighborhoods in New York. Residents and preservationists protested this plan. Their efforts led to a compromise: the BQE would be rerouted along the western bluff of Brooklyn Heights, and a pedestrian esplanade would be constructed atop the roadway.

The Promenade was completed in 1950 and quickly became a public favorite. Its construction preserved the character of the neighborhood while also showcasing one of the city’s most beautiful views.

Connection to Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is notable as New York City’s first historic district, designated in 1965. It features streets lined with well-preserved brownstones, pre-Civil War row houses, and 19th-century churches. The Promenade acts as the western border of this district, anchoring its connection to the waterfront.

Many famous writers, including W. H. Auden, Norman Mailer, and Truman Capote, lived nearby and were inspired by the area’s scenic charm. Capote notably wrote Brooklyn Heights: A Personal Memoir here, praising the view from the Promenade.

Cultural and Civic Importance

The Promenade has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Moonstruck, Annie Hall, and Manhattan.

It is a favored spot for wedding proposals, photo shoots, and quiet reflection.

Annual events such as July 4th fireworks viewing draw large crowds due to its direct view of the harbor.

Engineering and Preservation Concerns

The BQE, which supports the Promenade, has suffered from deterioration and overuse. Built in an era with much lower traffic expectations, the structure now handles tens of thousands of vehicles daily. There have been extensive debates about how to repair or rebuild this section of the expressway without damaging the Promenade or the surrounding neighborhood.

Proposals over the years have included:

Rebuilding the highway underground.

Creating a temporary highway while the existing structure is rebuilt.

Removing that stretch of the BQE entirely and converting it to surface roads or green space.

All of these have faced community resistance, with a strong desire to preserve the Promenade in its current form. The city's Department of Transportation continues to explore solutions that balance infrastructure needs with historic preservation.

Nearby Attractions

Brooklyn Bridge Park: Directly beneath the Promenade, a transformed industrial waterfront with lawns, sports facilities, and cultural spaces.

Squibb Park Bridge: A pedestrian bridge that connects the Promenade to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Pierrepont Playground and Harry Chapin Playground: Small, family-friendly parks adjacent to the Promenade.

Montague Street: A historic commercial street leading to the Promenade, filled with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

Summary

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is more than just a walkway. It is a historic urban design solution, a scenic retreat, and a community-defining space. Its continued presence reflects the city’s efforts to balance progress with preservation. For anyone exploring New York City, especially those who want a quieter, more reflective experience of its grandeur, the Promenade remains a must-see destination.