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Taking a stroll down George Street in New Brunswick could have a whole new meaning in the future under a plan that would transform the thoroughfare with a pedestrian experience at its center. 

DMR Architects presented its “George Street Reimagined Report,” during a Jan. 17, City Council meeting. The proposal offered four design options as well as a traffic impact study. 

“We’re seeing a lot of municipalities exploring ways to encourage public gathering in ways that are reflective of their culture while supporting economic growth and sustainability,” said Francis Reiner, director of planning & development and partner, DMR Architects. “In New Brunswick, we provided four options including a no-build which would keep the existing, summer only closure, one-way traffic conversions for either vehicles only or buses only, and a complete closure to convert the area into a permanent pedestrian plaza.” 

Announcing the study in January, the Hasbrouck Heights-based architecture firm cited the continued desire for outdoor dining. During the pandemic, like many communities across the state, New Brunswick made accommodations – including street closures – to entice customers to unique and safe dining experiences. 

Last May, the New Brunswick City Council enacted an ordinance to temporarily close George Street between Bayard and Albany streets from May 21-Nov. 5.

DMR’s proposal includes options for activating the three-block section throughout the course of the year.

As New Brunswick bustles with new projects – like the state’s first free-standing cancer hospital, the $225 million The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center; the transformative HELIX project, which has attracted Nokia Bell Labs as a tenant; a $49 million train station upgrade; and Weiss Properties’ The LIV, recently cleared by the city’s planning board to add more than 400 luxury apartments – enriching the downtown experience could prove a timely endeavor. 

“With the heightened redevelopment throughout the city, the downtown corridor could dovetail on the enrichment of the city’s overall progress and be reimagined, improving the quality of life for business art, culture, residents and all constituents,” New Brunswick City Market chairperson Douglas Schneider, also the owner and operator of Tavern on George, said, introducing DMR’s presentation to the city council.

New Brunswick City Market commissioned the study at the council’s request, according to Schneider’s introduction. Established in 1987 to oversee one of the state’s first Special Improvement Districts, nonprofit New Brunswick City Market works to promote the city’s central business district. 

Dynamic Traffic provided traffic-related information for the report.

According to DMR, it currently provides professional planning services to more than 15 municipalities.

Keep reading:

• Watch >> DMR Architect’s full presentation to the New Brunswick City Council here. Immerse yourself in the Option 1 Phase 1 experience here.
• Get the power point here.