Though we already have a little piece of Denmark right here in NYC with Danish cafe La Cabra, we’re getting an even bigger piece of Denmark to immerse ourselves in, and we don’t even have to hop on a flight!
Nestled between Park Slope and Carroll Gardens sits the developing neighborhood of Gowanus, known for its mixture of classic rowhouses and converted warehouses, cool art galleries, trendy bars, funky music venues…and, of course, a hipster or two. But Gowanus is now undergoing quite the transformation, and it includes bringing in some Danish vibes.
Gowanus is on track to become a mini Copenhagen, thanks to its already existing 1.8-mile-long canal!
A 1.6 mile long esplanade forms a loop around the canal, and as developers build apartments on the canal they’re turning it into quite the destination. Each developer is in charge of building out their portion of the esplanade–for example, Gowanus Wharf, a residential, arts, and retail locale, has decided to bring on the designers of Chelsea’s Highline to help design theirs–so each section of the esplanade will be unique.
Once fully built out, Gowanus’ esplanade will feature walking paths, exciting art installations, gardens with vegetation native to the area, and six separate pedestrian crossings that make accessing both sides of the canal a breeze, according to an Instagram video collaborated on by Gowanus Wharf, Charney Companies, and Evan Huang.
And considering the Gowanus canal is only 100 feet wide, it will mirror all the buzzy canal vibes locals and tourists alike have come to know and love in Copenhagen.
The first phase of the esplanade is already built out at 365 Bond, the canal’s first residential development. The development’s waterfront esplanade park “promises to be a social and recreational focal point enjoyed by both 365 Bond residents as well as the entire community,” according to their site. The park is comprised of open green space, public seating, fishing, and a boat dock.
As the canal undergoes a revitalization and welcomes public art, green spaces, and recreation, Gowanus is on track to be transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip across the pond.
What do you think–does Gowanus have mini Copenhagen potential?