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Brooklyn Bridge Park has published all 10 design proposals for what to do with the old Empire Stores buildings, above, it received in response to its call for ideas. For anyone interested in planning, architecture, or repurposing old buildings, it’s fascinating reading. The waterfront complex consists of seven landmarked 19th century coffee warehouses between Main and Dock streets with approximately 327,000 square feet of space. Some of the ideas floated include a green roof, retail, cultural and office space, events on the rooftop, outdoor dining, workshop space, a food exchange, and rooftop topiaries in the shape of giant bunnies and other animals. Proposed structural enhancements include exterior stairwells, glass enclosures on the roof and sides, and an internal circular ramp, some of which seem to echo some famous public buildings such as the Pompidou Center, the Louvre Pyramid and the Guggenheim. The Community Advisory Council will give feedback to the park about the designs April 19, and the winning project will be selected sometime this summer. Which one is your favorite? Click through to the jump to see a gallery of images from the proposals.


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