Bay Ridginal

“Bay Ridginal” — Thrive Collective’s 25th mural in Bay Ridge — is extra special for us. Bay Ridge is where Jeremy‘s immigrant grandparents landed, and where his parents fell in love and started a family. In 2011, Thrive Collective emerged organically from Bay Ridge with a mural declaring,“Welcome to PS 102” in more than sixty languages. Since then, we have completed more than ninety murals in South Brooklyn, and over 800 citywide.

Located at the intersection of 86th Street and 5th Avenue at the epicenter of the primary commercial district, this new mural encourages people to “Shop Local” and “Support our Neighborhood” after the lingering affects of COVID.

A Community-Designed Tribute to Bay Ridge

Designed with community input by long-time Thrive collaborator Michael “Mister Kaves” McLeer, the mural celebrates the traditions and vitality of the South Brooklyn enclave. The NYC Department of Small Business Services honored Thrive Collective with a Public Realm Grant to help revitalize the area.

“Public spaces should also reflect the culture and creativity of the communities. Murals like this transform high-traffic corridors into vibrant community landmarks that celebrate the people and small businesses that are the foundation of New York City’s neighborhoods.”

— Commissioner Kenny Minaya, NYC Department of Small Business Services

Symbols of Bay Ridge History and Culture

The “Bay Ridginal” mural design integrates historic and contemporary references to the neighborhood, drawn directly from community engagement feedback.

• Historic Local Businesses — Hinsch’s and Woolworths.
• Neighborhood Parks and Landmarks — Cannonball Park, the 69th Street Pier, the Promenade, NY Harbor, Fort Hamilton, the Gingerbread House, cherry blossoms, peregrine falcon.
• Culinary and Cultural Diversity — pizzeria, falafel cart, taco truck, Chinese lanterns, and Ragamuffin Parade.
• Public Transportation — the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, street signs, the R subway, and NYC Ferry.
• Cityscapes — storefronts, tenements, and brownstones.

Thank You to Our Partners and Community

Special thanks to the NYC Department of Small Business Services / Public Realm Grant for making this mural possible; the building owners ASG Equities; NYC Council Member Kayla Santosuosso and former NYC Council Member Justin Brannan; the 86th Street BID and the Fifth Avenue BID; NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs; and Fort Hamilton High School students, volunteers, and stakeholders for your support in bringing this vision to life.