MetroTech Center: Urban Academic-Industrial Research Park
Dublin Core
Title
MetroTech Center: Urban Academic-Industrial Research Park
Description
Polytechnic Institute's main campus is strategically located in the heart of Brooklyn at the MetroTech Center, an urban academic-industrial research park. Situated between Flatbush Avenue Extension and Jay Street, the campus is near Brooklyn's Civic Center, including Borough Hall and various courts, and is adjacent to the vibrant Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. Accessibility is enhanced by the Jay Street–MetroTech subway station, which connects the area to the rest of the city via multiple subway lines.
MetroTech Center is recognized as the nation's largest urban academic-industrial research park. Its development in the late 20th century was pivotal in the revitalization of Downtown Brooklyn. This area, once marked by outdated infrastructure, was transformed into a bustling hub for technology and innovation, thanks to the foresight of George Bugliarello, a professor and later the president of Polytechnic. His vision in the 1970s to establish a research and development center akin to California's Silicon Valley eventually led to the creation of MetroTech in the 1990s.
The development of MetroTech was not without controversy, involving the demolition of over 100 homes and 50 businesses. Despite these challenges, the project emerged as a cornerstone for economic development, attracting major companies like Morgan Stanley, the Securities Industry Automation Corporation (SIAC), and Brooklyn Union Gas. The presence of these companies not only fortified the area's infrastructure but also provided significant opportunities for collaboration and employment for the institute's students and graduates.
Today, MetroTech Center blends academic facilities with commercial spaces, creating a dynamic environment that supports both educational and professional growth. The center includes Brooklyn Commons Park, a 3.5-acre public space that hosts a variety of community and cultural events, enriching the social landscape for students and residents alike. This transformation from a traditional campus to a comprehensive urban academic-industrial complex exemplifies the institute's commitment to integrating education with practical industry experience, aligning closely with the evolving needs of its community and the broader tech industry.
MetroTech Center is recognized as the nation's largest urban academic-industrial research park. Its development in the late 20th century was pivotal in the revitalization of Downtown Brooklyn. This area, once marked by outdated infrastructure, was transformed into a bustling hub for technology and innovation, thanks to the foresight of George Bugliarello, a professor and later the president of Polytechnic. His vision in the 1970s to establish a research and development center akin to California's Silicon Valley eventually led to the creation of MetroTech in the 1990s.
The development of MetroTech was not without controversy, involving the demolition of over 100 homes and 50 businesses. Despite these challenges, the project emerged as a cornerstone for economic development, attracting major companies like Morgan Stanley, the Securities Industry Automation Corporation (SIAC), and Brooklyn Union Gas. The presence of these companies not only fortified the area's infrastructure but also provided significant opportunities for collaboration and employment for the institute's students and graduates.
Today, MetroTech Center blends academic facilities with commercial spaces, creating a dynamic environment that supports both educational and professional growth. The center includes Brooklyn Commons Park, a 3.5-acre public space that hosts a variety of community and cultural events, enriching the social landscape for students and residents alike. This transformation from a traditional campus to a comprehensive urban academic-industrial complex exemplifies the institute's commitment to integrating education with practical industry experience, aligning closely with the evolving needs of its community and the broader tech industry.
Creator
N/A
Publisher
CITYEIGHBORHOODS.NYC
Date
Sep 2002
Contributor
Samuel Walters
Format
Website
Files
Citation
N/A, “MetroTech Center: Urban Academic-Industrial Research Park,” Poly Archives, accessed January 29, 2025, https://polyarchives.hosting.nyu.edu/items/show/691.