Orange balloon & pink shoes

The Barclays Arena will never have my heart, but I’m getting used to it. How strange it is, though, to live in the shadow of this gigantic commercial building. And what happened to the mixed-income apartment buildings?

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By Barclays Center in the afternoon

Most of the time there’s a large, empty plaza in front of the Barclays Center. It’s dominated by this iron arm flashing advertising and upcoming events. Above, that’s the gray sky above the Atlantic Mall. There’s a new Dunkin Donuts over there.

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Before the Barbra concert

I was in the area, so I couldn’t resist taking a look at the giddy Barbra Streisand fans before the sold-out concert at the Barclays Center. Lots of cops, cars, and people who weren’t going to the concert. The ticket holders were quite well-behaved.

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Nine more days @ Barclays Center

In a week and a day, that big, steaming mess known as the Barclays Center will open its doors. We have learned that the rusted metal is not going to be painted. The streets will be made beautiful, though, and cops will be out directing traffic on opening night, of this we can be sure. Then we, as a borough, are on our own.

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Barclays Center, behind the fence

I’m looking for Neville, Will Smith’s character in I am Legend. He’s here behind the chainlink fence with some roving dog creatures. It’s ironic that the Barclays Center, under construction, also appears like an apocalyptic set.

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What’s up at Barclays Center

The behemoth now has a roof, some mirrored panels, and traffic all around. Don’t believe the NY Times, either. There isn’t NY Nets fever all around the borough.

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Getting huger

The Barclays Center is taking shape, getting larger and more filled in. There are still many un-rented stores nearby, but you get the feeling it’s all going to start coming together in a few months.

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Look for parking now

The roof is on the Barclays Center, future home of Brooklyn’s professional basketball team. They are supposed to play next season… but in case you haven’t heard, there’s going to be a BIG parking problem. If you insist on driving, you are advised to find a parking space now.

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Fourth Avenue transformation

Add a few more apartment buildings, pedestrians, bars, and restaurants, and Fourth Avenue might actually become a destination boulevard with fast drivers, not what it presently is, a small highway with crosswalks. Don’t forget that Fourth Ave. dead-ends at the love-it-or-hate-it building of Brooklyn, the Barclays Center. We’ll see what happens.

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Barclays Center @ ground level

The sports arena, at eye-level, doesn’t look quite as grand when you see the wood and metal that go into its construction. By next season, the Nets are scheduled to play ball in their new home.

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