New Milford Native in the Running to Redesign the Brooklyn Bridge

For its 137th birthday, the Brooklyn Bridge just might be receiving a face-lift. According to an article on ctinsider.com, there is currently a global competition going on called 'Reimagining the Brooklyn Bridge' sponsored by the Van Alen Institute and the New York City Council.

Six finalists have been selected, and one of those finalists is 2018 New Milford High graduate, Lukas Kugler, who's an architecture student at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Images

New York City decided to launch the challenge because of safety concerns. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most photographed locations in the city and welcomes thousands of pedestrians every day. Because of the volume of pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge is becoming increasingly unsafe. The Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge Challenge is a chance to create a healthy and safe environment for all its visitors.

Lukas Kugler's design is called 'The Artery, ' which makes way for separate lanes for bikers and walkers. Kugler's design also provides select areas for vendors and plant life. The 'Design Showdown' launches on July 23, where all finalists will present their design creations.

All of the finalist's designs will be posted on the Design Showdown website where voting will take place from July 23-30. Winners will be announced in late summer. Bragging rights and $13,000 in prize money is on the line. Remember former New Milford grad, Lukas Kugler, is in it to win it! Don't forget to cast your vote for Lukas, our hometown guy beginning July 23. To vote, just click on this link where you're also able to check out Kugler's design.