Broadway Stages’ Urban Farming Revolution: The Story of Eagle Street Rooftop Farm
/The Genesis of Broadway Stages’ Green Corridor
Rooftop greening gained momentum in the U.S. due to rising concerns about sustainability, stormwater, and urban agriculture. Advances in technology and design have made green roofs more accessible and central to sustainable metropolitan development. They provide essential environmental benefits, especially in dense cities like New York, where space is scarce and climate challenges are pressing. As a socially responsible company, Broadway Stages set out to address these issues.
Planting the Seeds: How Eagle Street Became NYC's First Rooftop Farm
Broadway Stages is proud to lay claim to New York City's first year-round, fully operational organic rooftop farm, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm. Located atop our Eagle Street soundstage, the farm was established in 2008 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It was co-created by Annie Novak, an urban farmer, educator, author, and conservationist, in partnership with Goode Green, a green roof design firm, and with support from the Argento family of Broadway Stages. Our shared vision merged organic farming, education, and sustainable greening in an industrial area.
In addition to her farming endeavors, Annie is the founder and director of Growing Chefs, a field-to-fork food education program aimed at connecting people with the origins of their food. She has also served as the manager of the Edible Academy at the New York Botanical Garden, further emphasizing her commitment to educational initiatives in sustainable agriculture. In 2016, she authored "The Rooftop Growing Guide: How to Transform Your Roof into a Garden or Farm." The book provides practical insights for gardening enthusiasts living in the city. She has also been recognized by organizations like the Audubon Society's Women in Conservation Program and serves on the board of the American Bird Conservancy.
Tending the Crops: Green Roofs and Sustainable Urban Farming
Perched above Greenpoint, the 6,000-square-foot green space is transforming the neighborhood as a vibrant hub for organic food and education. Dedicated to sustainability, the Farm focuses on cultivating fresh, chemical-free produce in the middle of the city. Colorful produce and herbs grow using eco-friendly practices that support soil health and reduce waste.
When the Farm first started, it planted a wide range of crops. The menu has evolved over the years to feature the plants that thrive in the unique setting of a rooftop garden. Green roof soil tends to dry out quickly. To get the best results, Annie uses xeriscaping. This is a farming style requiring little or no irrigation or other maintenance. It is used in arid regions around the world. The Farm features a lot of xeriscape-friendly edible plants (like the chilis and Mediterranean herbs).
Over the past six years, the Farm has produced more perennial plants. Perennial plants stay in the ground throughout the winter and prosper for many years. Delicious edible herbs like thyme, oregano, and lavender, as well as compact crops like hazelnuts, raspberries, and strawberries, are examples of plants that have been folded into the planting plan at Eagle Street. For various reasons, this has been extremely helpful to the health of the Farm and its function as a rooftop garden. Benefits include improved drought resistance, erosion control, and nutrient retention. The Farm continues to grow annuals such as chili peppers and makes Awesome Sauce, a fantastic hot sauce. You can partake in the harvest at the Farm on volunteer days, off-site events (like the Greenpoint Holiday Market), and local restaurants/grocers like Archestratus in Greenpoint.
However, the Farm's mission extends beyond food production. It's a learning hub where people can explore, volunteer, and connect. Seasonal operations include volunteer days that offer hands-on experience and educational events designed to inspire future generations about the power of sustainable agriculture. These opportunities build knowledge, skills, and community involvement.
The public can reap the benefits of this skytop gem in a few ways. Among them are:
● Volunteer Days: Help maintain the Farm, from planting to harvest. Held most Sundays, April–October.
● Farmers' Markets: Buy fresh, organic produce straight from the rooftop.
● Educational Workshops: Free sessions on topics like pickling or chicken-keeping.
● Apprenticeships & Internships: Hands-on training in urban farming.
Broadway Stages' Commitment to Urban Agriculture and Green Infrastructure
Green roofs turn underused rooftops into resilient ecosystems that tackle challenges and enrich city life. Moreover, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm's success aligns with Broadway Stages' sustainability vision. Our synergy fosters environmental stewardship, community engagement, and urban agriculture, highlighting our commitment to eco-friendly practices and local education.
We encourage you to visit, volunteer, or support Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, the Broadway Stages Green Corridor, and other local green initiatives. You can learn more by following Annie on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X).
Read about our commitment to social responsibility and the more than 100,000 square feet of rooftop.
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