All map images courtesy of Macy’s

The talented folks behind the hotly anticipated Macy’s Fourth of July live fireworks spectacular happening next Thursday evening have provided a detailed guide to the prime Manhattan spots for watching the night sky light up. Read on to get the scoop on official viewing points–and some unofficial favorites–and use the interactive map to make sure you’re in the right place when the pyrotechnics start at the Brooklyn Bridge.

More top viewing spots

The Brooklyn Flea under the Archway. Photo: Noemie Trusty, courtesy of Dumbo Improvement District.

On Friday, June 21, Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge–the “UMBO” of Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), so to speak. The Archway–one of the only covered outdoor spaces in New York City—has for the past decade served as the neighborhood’s town square, giving hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors a prime public place for large-scale events, community gatherings, film shoots, art exhibitions and local start-up events. In celebration, expect food, music and visual arts exhibitions befitting a neighborhood with Dumbo’s unique creative history.

Ahead, a transformation

Originally a warehouse building run by Kirkman & Son Soap Company, 50 Bridge Street in Dumbo was converted into loft condos in 2004 but retained much of its historic character. Those details are on full display in this south-facing loft, featuring two full walls of exposed brick and original columns. Currently configured as an open layout studio filled with rustic, western decor, the space measures just over 1,000 square feet and could easily be converted into a one-bedroom by its new owners. The square footage combined with a coveted location in the landmarked district of Dumbo earns this unit it’s $1,250,000 asking price.

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Rendering by Starling Architecture

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday gave mixed reviews for a proposed new concession pavilion outside of the landmarked fireboat station at the Fulton Ferry Landing. The proposal, chosen last December by the Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP), includes constructing an outdoor restaurant and bar that would connect to an adjacent utility shed and sit in front of the two-story fireboat station, previously home to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. While Alex and Miles Pincus, the operators of the proposed space, designed the outdoor concession to be simple and airy, some LPC commissioners expressed concern over the structure possibly blocking views of Manhattan and the need to keep the space as open as possible.

See the proposed project

Listing images by Will Ellis of Donna Dotan Photography

Michael Chow, founder of the Mr. Chow restaurant chain, has just put his Dumbo penthouse on the market for $6,495,000. It seems the restaurateur is moving to the West Coast, as earlier this month Chow and his wife bought two Los Angeles properties from pop star Katy Perry, as Mansion Global reported. Chow bought his three-bedroom duplex at 1 John Street in 2016 for $5,760,000. The modern abode spans across 2,600 square-feet and is one of four homes in the 42-unit building to have a private courtyard and a private roof terrace. You’ll be able to enjoy the views from inside as well since every room overlooks the river and Manhattan skyline.

Take a look inside

Via Time Out Market

Just ahead of its spring opening, Time Out Market has announced even more vendors for their upcoming 21,000-square-foot market in Dumbo’s Empire Stores. Brought to you by the same company as the freebie magazine Time Out New York, the food hall will feature 21 options, including a range of classic and new local spots, all vetted by Time Out food critics. “The culinary landscape in New York City is so diverse, and we are extremely proud to be showcasing many different cuisines, cooking styles and such outstanding personalities…we call it the democratization of fine dining,” said Time Out Market CEO Didier Souillat. “Our mission is to serve New York on a plate.”

Check out the full list of vendors

Siah Armajani: “Bridge Over Tree” 1970/2019; wood, steel and evergreen tree. Photo: Timothy Schenck.

Iranian-born, Minneapolis-based artist Siah Armajani’s installation “Bridge Over Tree” (1970) was unveiled Wednesday at Brooklyn Bridge Park on the Empire Fulton Ferry Lawn between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. The seminal work, which was first shown as a temporary sculpture at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in 1970, is comprised of a 91-foot-long walkway with open, trussed sides and a shingled roof. A set of stairs at the sculpture’s midpoint climb up and down over a small evergreen tree. This is the first re-staging of the installation in almost 50 years

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Renderings courtesy of Williams New York

The future of the empty, former parking lot at 85 Jay Street was revealed last week when developers released new details and renderings of the highly-anticipated project. Named Front & York after its bordering streets, the development will be a 21-story residential and retail complex bringing 728 new apartments (a mix of condos and rentals) to the neighborhood. According to reporting by The Bridge, the development will be the largest yet in Dumbo and will supply enough housing to increase the population of the upscale neighborhood by 25 percent.

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Photos by Max Touhey

Bjarke Ingels Group has certainly lived up to its moniker BIG, with studios in New York, Copenhagen, and London, 17 partners, more than 500 employees, and roughly 50 projects currently in development. To keep up with this astonishing growth, the 14-year-old firm recently moved its U.S. headquarters to a vibrant new space in Dumbo’s 45 Main Street. The 50,000-square-foot office fits 250+ employees and boasts cool features like Brooklyn Bridge views, a private outdoor terrace, chromatized steel doors, and tons of furniture and lighting by Danish brand and BIG collaborator KiBiSi.

Take the tour!