To the untrained eye, the Carroll Street Bridge might just look like a modest stretch of pavement over a murky canal. But around here, it’s so much more. It’s a neighborhood landmark, a portal to the F and G trains, a slice of New York City history, and, for anyone who bikes, walks, or wanders, it’s the scenic shortcut we miss dearly.

The Shop Brooklyn sits just a few steps from the bridge, and its closure for repairs has been a daily reminder of how much it means to this community. We’ve rerouted our commutes, walked the long way to Carroll Street Station, and fielded countless questions from curious passersby: “Is the bridge still closed?” It is. But not for much longer (we hope). And when it reopens, you can bet we’re going to celebrate.

Let’s back up a bit. Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge is one of just a handful of retractable bridges left in the entire country. Rather than lifting like a traditional drawbridge, it slides back horizontally to let boats pass through the Gowanus Canal. It’s not just functional…it’s theatrical! The structure itself is painted a signature shade of sky blue, with a wooden plank deck and an all-caps sign that reads, “ANY VEHICLE CROSSING BRIDGE FASTER THAN A WALK WILL BE REPORTED.” It’s charming, weird, and practical all at once. Very Gowanus.

Over the years, the bridge has become a quiet icon of the neighborhood. It’s been featured in countless photo shoots and even made a cameo in Broad City, when Ilana rides across it on her bike on her way to Whole Foods to rescue a wisdom tooth-less Abbi, totally carefree and completely iconic. That scene wasn’t just funny, it was familiar. Anyone who lives or works near the bridge knows the joy of crossing it. On foot, on wheels, with a coffee in hand. You get a moment of calm, a view of the canal, and a deep breath before diving back into the day.

Its closure has been necessary (we love a safe bridge), but we’d be lying if we said we haven’t been counting the days until its return. The temporary fencing, the detours, the longer walks – it’s all part of the process, but it’s also a reminder of how much the bridge connects this neighborhood, literally and figuratively. It links the industrial grit of western Gowanus to the quieter, residential pockets to the east. It gets people to work, to play, to pie at Four & Twenty Blackbirds. It makes life here easier and more fun.

At The Shop Brooklyn, we’re planning something big when it reopens. We don’t have an official date yet, but we’re already dreaming about DJs, local drinks, and maybe a canoe or two. It’s not just about celebrating a piece of infrastructure—it’s about honoring the kind of place that makes this neighborhood feel like home. The kind of place where even a bridge has personality, history, and a fan club.

So here’s to you, Carroll Street Bridge. You’ve been missed. You’ve been loved. And when the time comes, we’ll be there with bells on – ready to walk (not drive) across you, as slowly as possible.