My urban Tourism class and I took a little tour of Dumbo and Domino Park on June 12^th, 2018. I was exited to be going on the tour because I really loved what Dumbo has morphed itself into. I often visited for some alone time and I like to come with my friends, we would have BBQ’s and picnics and it was also perfect at night during the summer for a date. Even though I’ve walked there many it was a great to learn about the area, now I appreciate the area more. To find out there was a new Park just a boat ride away, I was ecstatic to experience the newest edition, Domino Park.

The history of Dumbo dates back to the 80’s, when the area was mostly used for shipping and docking and it also contained warehouses and housed those very workers. Dumbo stands as Down under Manhattan bridge overpass, a name in which embodies gentrification at its best. I loved that while we where walking professor. Phillips mentioned that most of the buildings have been preserved and recognized as landmarks. That’s very important because we should always have knowledge of our history; we need to keep those roots alive, it is what makes us stand out from the rest. Tourists are attracted to culture and a place full of history, curiosity and knowing that wow I stood where this person stood is exciting. Dumbo to me is stuck between the past and the present and tourist are in love with that. The Eagles warehouse now apartments was the most beautiful, when I walked next to it after finding out that it was built in 1894 for the local Brooklyn eagles newspaper my excitement meter shot up to 90. When we walked on, closer to the water, pass the riverside café and the famous ice-cream shop The Brooklyn ice-cream factory I realized, Just like the architecture I noticed that the people that where in the park were also very diverse. I saw, a lot of children on trips, so many tourist speaking many different languages; kids on play dates, adults on play dates, couples, photographers, artists, joggers, and dog lovers.

We brought our tickets for the NYC ferry, and paid 5.50 for the ride to Domino Park. I had the most fun on the deck of the ferry; I enjoyed the breeze and the 80-degree weather. Before arriving we admired manhattans skyline and chatted with some of the tourist. From the ferry we could see the domino sugar factory, I wish it still smelled like sugar but it closed in 2004. Two trees management wanted the park as a public space to preserve the history and provide someplace where residents can relax. They will be going forward with the proposal to turn the refinery into housing units and office space. Upon learning that I don’t know if, that was what I wanted to hear. But overall, I loved the vibe; it was colorful and full of life. The park included machinery from the factory, I found very cool because it pulled the park together with the factory. The factory didn’t feel alone, but apart of the massive Kent waterfront park. When we continued to walk down the waterfront, we saw a fast food Mexican restaurant called Tacocina.

Tacocina was calling my name and I’m sure everyone one of my classmates and my professor too. Before we went and buried ourselves in guacamole and a variety of tacos. We took some pictures in front of the domino sugar refinery, and then more pictures. We had to wait on a long line, but to me my 4.50 shrimp and chayote Tartar taco was delicious, just expensive. I’m glad I got to enjoy Domino Park with my class, now I can bring everyone here with me.

Street Mural

Domino Park

Domino Park

The Domino Park I enjoyed my visit to the Domino Park, which was opened on June 10, 2018 in Williamsburg along the Williamsburg waterfront. It was interesting to know that the park was designed by Mark Reigelman, who also designed the High Line. I could see the similarity such as the lounge chairs. I like the fact that most of the old equipment’s from the sugar factory were incorporated in the design of the park such as the syrup tanks. The volleyball sand pit was something I have never seen in a park before, which I think was really cool. The Park also has security cameras throughout, which is a really good idea for added security. Everything about the park was just beautiful and very detail oriented. The park really tells the story of the Domino Sugar Factory. The only problem I had was the food option. I think they would do better if they had some food trucks, because the wait was so long due to having only one restaurant on site. Also, the food selection was only limited to only Tacos, which I think was over price for the portion. I think they should add items such as Hot Dogs and Pizza to the menu. The area around the Domino Sugar Factory is being developed into a residential site. Construction is underway for apartment complex and condos while I was there. The site that was once an industrial site has been transformed into residential towers and office space.

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The class went on a field trip on June 12.  Often times, I just go straight to school ones I get out of the subway station. After my classes, I head straight home. I noticed that the Brooklyn Bridge park was near the area where the location of the school because I could see the view of the Brooklyn Bridge outside the school, but I did not that it’s just a walking distance.  I realized while the class was walking to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, that there were so many things to do in the area.  On our way, we get to see old buildings that still existed today.  Usually, I just past by these kinds of buildings, not realizing that they are historical ones and has been built many decades ago.  It is very smart that these historical buildings have a summary of their history placed on their walls so that people will be more aware of their histories.

Eagle Warehouse

It was only my second time going riding the ferry.  The fee for the ferry is also reasonable because it only cost $2.75 each ride. Once I got inside the ferry, I went straight upstairs so that I can get a better view of the surrounding.  I think that transforming the waterfront into a park is a good idea.

Domino Sugar Factory Building, 325 Kent

Walking from the Williamsburg ferry station to the Domino park, we get to see some street murals/graffiti.  We even get to witness someone painting the walls.

Street Mural

Turquoise

The first thing that I noticed in the park is the color turquoise, which gives a refreshing, calming vibe.  It is so nice how some things in the past, such as the cranes, tanks, screw conveyors, still remains in this park.  There are a lot of outdoor activities that people can do in this park.  There is an area where people can play beach volleyball without having to go to an actual beach. There are playgrounds for kids to have fun with.  There are also people sitting on the grass or the benches reading books, eating, relaxing, or chatting.  I agree that they should provide more signage or labels that gives people information about the history of the place.

It is a clever idea to include a fast food restaurant, which is the Tacocina, in the middle of the park because food is significant thing for people.  I am little disappointed about Tacocina though.  We waited in line for so long.

Overall, I enjoyed the field trip to the Domino Park.  I hope that more people will get to know the history of this place.

Domino Sugar Factory Building

325 Kent Signage

Domino Park

When we left school for our field trip on June 12, I was really excited about the experience and to see in person what we discussed on class and read on articles. When we started walking down to Dumbo towards the ferry,  where we were able to see some historical buildings that remain there such as the The Eagle Warehouse which was part of the industrial area. As I read on the sign outside the building, it states that Frank Freeman was the commissioned to design this warehouse and the editor on this newspaper was Walt Whitman in the forties.

Outside The Eagle Warehouse in Brooklyn

We also observed how the Dumbo area was transformed from an industrial area and how manufacture buildings are now use for commercial and residential area. Once we got in the ferry station and took the boat to go to south Williamsburg, The view from the ferry was stunning and were were able to see the new Domino park from the boat.  Then, when we arrived in Williamsburg we saw how this waterfront area also changed with new residential buildings replaced industrial buildings. For instance, we observed the 184 Kent Avenue building that was also a warehouse build in 1914 and 1915 as stated on a signage they had outside the building. Now, this is a residential building, giving us again an example of the reuse they gave it to this building which is a similar concept of what they are doing with the refinery sugar.

184 Kent Avenue building

Another good example of the change in this waterfront area it is the new Domino Park build and their new plan for residential space. Once we arrive in the park, I was happy to see how they reuse the materials from the refinery sugar for the park which reminds me of the highline. However, when walking further in the new Domino park, we notice there were no signs providing further information of the importance of the material reused from the sugar refinery. For example, we knew the syrup tanks were salvaged from the sugar refinery only because we read it on the article from Susan Xu. Otherwise, there was no information on site that would tell us the history of it.

Moreover, as it was time for lunch, we had a chance to try some tacos from the new place open in the Domino park called “Taco Cina” which I like it. Of course, the line was quite big, but the overall experience was satisfying. I found out this place was very convenient for people who happened to be in the area and want something to eat like we did.

Taco Cino inside the park

Domino Park in Williamsburg

Furthermore, I have to say the park have a lot of seating area as well. Not only in the Taco Cino place, but also through out the parl. For instance, they have a Four-tiered steps that act as a seating option that reminds me of times square where people also use the steps as a seating option. Overall, I can definitely see the contrast in today’s waterfront areas and how the industrial and manufacture buildings were replace with new offices and residential buildings which is positive because we are reusing it the area and materials. However, I can see the downside of it on the increase of real estate in the area.