Category Archives: For New Visitors to Bricklyn

Articles that are especially helpful for new visitors to Bricklyn

Venice in Bricklyn: The New Canal District Takes Shape

A LEGO replica of a Venetian-style building with gondolas on a canal, featuring minifigure characters in traditional attire. — Illustration provided by Bricklyn Planning Department, prepared with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

Sept. 10, 2025

by Paul B. Macro, Business Reporter for The Bricklyn Eagle

Bricklyn’s long planned Canal District — referred to by the moniker “Venice in Bricklyn” — is bearing its first fruits with the completion of several Venetian-style palazzi and case alongside a newly constructed canal.

Bricklyn Planning Director Tim Brickedy describes Venice in Bricklyn as “a vision to bring a beautiful part of the world to Bricklyn, while making use of a large former industrial site that, just a few years ago, was being considered for locating a nuclear power plant. … We’re gratified that Phase 1 of the redevelopment project is now underway.”

A LEGO model of two Venetian-style buildings with a small bridge in front, showcasing intricate architectural details and minifigures, representing the Canal District in Bricklyn. — A model of a possible palazzo (on right) and smaller casa (on left) for Venice in Bricklyn. Photo by Tim Brickedy, Bricklyn Planning Department. See Bricklink Venetian Houses.

Brickedy, along with Bricklyn architect Moshi Saftbrick and donut mogul David Tiler Broffman, made the long trek to Venice, Italy, four years ago to learn about Venetian architecture and building techniques, and to evaluate whether a slice of Venice could be replicated in Bricklyn.

A LEGO figure with a mustache and beard holds a decorated donut while examining blueprints on a table. — Moshi Saftbrick

Bricklyn Planning Director Tim Brickedy by Zoning notice sign. — Moshi Saftbrick

Nighttime view of Venice's canals featuring historic buildings lit up, with a purple water taxi navigating the water. — **Palazzi and smaller case line Venice’s Grand Canal. Photos by Wayne Senville.**

View of Venetian-style buildings along a canal, with gondolas docked in the foreground. — **Palazzi and smaller case line Venice’s Grand Canal. Photos by Wayne Senville.**

According to Saftbrick, “the idea was never to copy brick-for-brick Venetian buildings, but to learn whether it might be possible to re-interpret Venice’s styles — which were obviously built at human scale — for our LEGO-scaled Realm.” Saftbrick added that, “it was critical that the design appeal to Bricklyn homebuyers, while at the same time enhancing the community as a whole.”

Architectural illustration of a Venetian-style building with intricate details, positioned by a canal, featuring arched windows and a stepped entrance. — **Schematic of one of the planned palazzi provided by Moshi Saftbrick;**
**with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.**

A detailed LEGO model depicting a picturesque Venetian-style building alongside a canal, featuring colorful balconies, street lamps, and figures recreating daily life in a vibrant, urban setting. — **Models of two of the proposed Venetian-style case above; a palazzo on the right. From Moshi Saftbrick, & Dall E-3 AI.**

A detailed LEGO model of a Venetian-style building alongside a canal, featuring minifigures, lamps, and a gondola. — **Models of two of the proposed Venetian-style case above; a palazzo on the right. From Moshi Saftbrick, & Dall E-3 AI.**

Broffman, who was the erstwhile developer of the unbuilt Dunk Them Donuts tower, noted that, “Moshi and I learned some hard lessons from that project. It made us realize even more than we had previously the importance of working closely with citizen groups and elected officials to have development that reflects peoples’ desires and values. While our new Canal Estates palazzi and case have modern conveniences and contemporary interior features, we wanted to create a harmonious streetscape — or should I say, ‘canal-scape’ — something that the entire community will be proud of.

A detailed map of the Canal District in Bricklyn, featuring colorful sections and waterways, highlighting the layout of the planned Venetian-style neighborhoods. — Map from Bricklyn Plan for Canal District. Prepared by the Bricklyn Planning Department, with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

Planner Brickedy noted that the canals and bordering walkways would be open to the public and integrated into the existing bike and pedestrian network.

As Brickedy added, “Our Canal District plan and accompanying zoning ensures all development in Venice in Bricklyn will be accessible to the public, and not result in any restricted enclaves.”

Brickedy also noted that “the Federal Council incorporated inclusionary provisions in the Canal District Plan and accompany zoning regulations that will provide for a significant amount of affordable housing which will be integrated into the new Bricklyn in Venice neighborhood.”

A scenic view of a canal in Venice, Italy, showcasing Venetian-style buildings with colorful facades, a boat docked along the canal, and a bell tower in the background under a clear blue sky. — Houses along the Rio di Sant’ Agostino in Venice’s Castello district. While many large palazzi line the Grand Canal, smaller residences (case) border the city’s many smaller waterways. Photo by Wayne Senville.

Brickedy observed that “while much of the focus has understandably been on the beautiful residences being planned, it’s important to realize that Venice in Bricklyn will also include commercial and office space, as well as several campi providing valued open space with areas for children to play and adults to sit and chat with their neighbors.”

A lively square in Venice, featuring people relaxing near trees, a central fountain, and charming Venetian architecture in the background. — Campo Bandiera e Moro in Castello sestieri (district) of Venice could serve as a model for the two campi planned for Bricklyn’s Canal District. See also A Pattern Language, Chapter 61, Small Public Squares. Photo by Wayne Senville.

A Lego figure holding a brochure titled 'BRICKLYN Canal Estates' featuring a black and white illustration of Venetian-style buildings and a canal.

Developer Broffman said he was “quite pleased” with Bricklynites’ initial reaction to his Canal Estates development, and that deposits had already been placed on eight of the planned canal-side residences.

Broffman also reported that a grocer and (perhaps not surprisingly) a Dunk Them Donuts shop have also signed long-term leases.

Within the next three years Phase 1 should result in the completion of 24 case; five palazzi; and six commercial and office sites — all to be built by the development arm of Broffman’s Dunk Them Donuts.

“Developers have not yet been selected for the next two phases of Venice in Bricklyn,” said Planning Director Brickedy, “and it is certainly possible that multiple developers will be involved. Phase 2 is slated to move forward in 2028. Ultimately, we are looking for a maximum neighborhood population of 500, as recommended in the Canal District Plan.” 📍

📍For readers interested in neighborhood planning, the Canal District Plan draws heavily on standards set out by Alexander, Ishikawa, and Silverstein in their invaluable text, A Pattern Language: Towns – Buildings – Construction. See Chapter 14, “Identifiable Neighborhoods.”

A scenic view of a canal in Venice featuring traditional buildings, a bridge, and outdoor dining areas with red awnings. Several boats are moored along the water's edge. — A ristorante bordering the Rio del Greci canal in Venice’s Castello district. The Bricklyn Canal District Plan calls for restaurants and other commercial uses to be mixed with residential buildings.
Photo by Wayne Senville.

It should be noted that the Canal District will not be open to Outland tourists as it is in that part of Bricklyn located outside the Great Wall. This will, however, help avoid “overtourism” that has plagued Venice, Italy, where day-tripping tourists often swarm across the city, especially during Summer months.

LEGO figurine dressed as a police officer speaking to three other LEGO figures in a scenic, Venetian-style backdrop. — Photo of Commissario Bricketti meeting with Tim Brickedy, Moshi Saftbrick, and David Plater Broffman.
credit: The Venice Gazzetino, with assistance of GPT-40 AI.

Detective Bricketti of the Venice Polizia

During their stay in Venice, the three Bricklyn visitors set aside time to meet with renowned Venice police detective Leon Bricketti at the Campo Lorenzo, a few minutes walk from the Questura (police headquarters).

Bricketti spoke of how the Venice police have dealt with youth gangs, an emerging concern in parts of Bricklyn.

➤ Detective Bricketti is sometimes mistaken for a fictional detective also based in Venice. ✥

A colorful LEGO-style illustration featuring a stylized eagle head with bright blue eyes, fluffy white feathers, and a yellow beak, set against a blue background with various colored circular pieces.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: The Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce offers its congratulations to David Tiler Broffman and all the others who have worked so hard to make Venice in Bricklyn a realty. While, as your reporter mentioned, Outlanders will not be able to visit our Venice (at least for now), it will surely draw visitors from other Inland realms. Fortunately, improvements to both Brick Air and Brick Rail services will help make Bricklyn much more accessible. Again, kudos to Team Bricklyn! — Tom Brickorti, CEO, Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce.

To the Editor: While I love Venice, Italy, I have serious reservations about this attempt to recreate Venice here in Bricklyn. The magic that makes the real Venice so special simply cannot be replicated elsewhere, as other efforts to do so have already shown (see, for example, Venice Water City in Dalian, China). Instead we should be improving the design of our existing neighborhoods and filling in empty lots with buildings consistent with Bricklyn’s well-established architectural styles. I’m afraid that the commanding influence of a super wealthy Bricklyn donut mogul has led Bricklyn planners and elected officials to move forward with a copy cat effort that misses the mark. — Lewis Brickford, Bricklyn Jct., VT.

Reply from “Venice in Bricklyn” Architect Moshi Saftbrick: While I appreciate respected writer Brickford’s comments, I must note that, as Mr. Brickford is surely aware, very few Bricklynites can afford a trip to Venice, Italy. By providing them a slice of Venice right here in Bricklyn, they can partake in some of the timeless beauty of Venetian architecture, as well as the pleasures of having in the newly built canal an enjoyable and publicly accessible amenity.

To the Editor: I find it ironic that now that Bricklyn has become part of the French Republic we embark on a project to bring Italian style buildings here. Hope we at least get a good pizzeria! — Marcel B. Maçon, South Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: So many naysayers out there who can’t see a great thing when it’s right before their eyes! Venice in Bricklyn is just the shot in the arm our Realm needs, especially during these trying times. Thank you to the talented folks who have worked tirelessly on brining this creative development to Bricklyn. — Polly Plater Popover, Bricklyn, VT.

Naming Traditions in Bricklyn

Note from the Editor: Given that we have many new Bricklyn Eagle readers who may not be familiar with Bricklyn naming practices, we decided to republish this article, which has also been updated by reporter Brenda Softbrick.

Originally Posted on June 10, 2021; Updated August 15, 2025
by Brenda Softbrick, The Bricklyn Eagle’s Culture & History correspondent

Summary of Article ➤ Why do Bricklyn residents often have “brick,” “tile,” “plate,” or simply the middle initial “B” in their names? Learn about Bricklyn naming traditions from our culture & history reporter Brenda Softbrick.

Let’s start with some basic “rules” — notice the quote marks we placed around the word “rules.” Bricklyn family names are not prescribed by law, rather they are typically based on occupational naming traditions — common in Denmark and many other countries. As such, Bricklyn’s use of occupational naming is not unusual.

There are essentially five categories of names you’ll find in Bricklyn:

“Brick” is part of a person’s surname.
“Tiler” is a person’s middle name.
“Plater” is a person’s middle name.
The letter/initial “B” comprises the person’s full middle name.
Where the person’s full name includes none of the above.

➤ As most readers will know, brickbuilders, tilers, and plate makers (also known as platers) are the three most common occupations in LEGO-based communities — hence “brick,” “tiler,” and “plater” are used in the naming tradition that evolved. Of course, these also refer to the three principal parts in a LEGO builder’s inventory: bricks; tiles; and plates.

*Tom Brcikorti next to LEGO bricks. Tom comes from a line of brickbuilders, even though he no longer carries on the family occupational tradition.*

It should be noted that if “brick” is part of someone’s last name — such as for Chamber of Commerce head, Tom Brickorti — you’ll never find “tiler,” “plater,” or the initial “B” in that person’s middle name.

Since many names were originally based on a family’s occupational heritage (e.g., “Brick” indicates the family were brickbuilders; “Tiler” indicates they were tilers; and “Plater” indicates they were plate makers) it would have been highly unlikely for a family to include members in different occupations — given the quite rigid occupational lines in place before families emigrated from Billund, Denmark to Bricklyn, Vermont, during the years of disassociation and re-association.

“Progressive” Changes in Naming Practices

Mary Tiler Fleur, Customer Service Manger for the Bricklyn Dept. of Public Works. — Mary Tiler Fleur, Customer Service Manger for the Bricklyn Dept. of Public Works, seen here admiring the tiles that make up Bricklyn’s new bike path. Many in Tiler Fleur’s family have worked as tilers — so perhaps it’s no coincidence that Tiler Fleur works for the DPW!

However, changes in naming practices have occurred since the 1960s.

Quite a few so-called” progressive” families dropped the inclusion of occupational referents in their names and often substituted the middle initial “B” to stand for “Bricklynite” in their name — as is the case with Chulpin B. Spancer (and bear in mind that when you see a name that has a middle “B,” it stands for “Bricklynite,” not “Brickbuilder”).

Bill Plater Jones, First Baseman for the Bricklyn Stackers. — Bill Plater Jones, clutch-hitting First Baseman for the Bricklyn Stackers. Consistent with his family name, Jones excels at the plate! (excuse that bit of Bricklyn humor). Note also the irony that home plate is actually a tile and not a plate. For reasons we have not been able to discover, Bricklynites never changed the expression “home plate” to the more technically accurate “home tile.”

➤ Newcomers to Bricklyn without any direct connection to Billund, Denmark, also have often adopted the naming format of simply including the middle “B” in their name.

With all that said, you’ll find that a majority of names in Bricklyn still hold to the traditional usage previously described.

It needs to be mentioned that some Bricklyn residents do not use any of the naming traditions we’ve described.

These tend to be young, more radically inclined individuals (or some older hipster types) who seek to deny any vestige of their common heritage.

LEGO minifigures celebrating with drinks at a table under a sign that says 'ADD THE B'. — Photo by Ann Tiler Anderson, with help from GPT4.o AI.

But even among this group, not a small number eventually seek to show solidarity with their neighbors by incorporating the “B” (for Bricklynite) letter as their middle initial.

➤ The brief re-naming ceremony is often accompanied by a festive beer party — which this reporter believes may well be the reason why some individuals decide to “Add the B” as their new middle initial!

When It Comes to Brick Family Names

One other historical footnote that might interest some readers: only those from brickbuilder families include the “brick” appellation in their surnames. Those from Tiler or Plater families include those words only in their middle names. Perhaps this reflects the higher status of brickbuilders in the old Billund culture — reflecting a bit of a caste system even among the generally egalitarian Billunders.

It should be noted, however, that historical records indicate that brickbuilders, tilers, and plate makers all received the same rate of pay, modified only by an individual’s seniority and level of expertise.

➤ Whatever “name-based discrimination” there might have been, was primarily of a social, not an economic, nature.

The Debunked “Doppelgänger” Theory

Finally, let me make brief mention of the “doppelgänger” theory and its purported role in the names of some Bricklyn residents. The notion that any Bricklynites are named after their counterparts in our “twin” Outland City of Burlington, VT, or elsewhere, has been widely debunked, discredited, denounced, and denied. As Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman himself has stated, “any resemblance between Bricklyn and its residents, locales, or events to any persons, locales, or actual events, or locales is entirely coincidental!” ✥

Note from Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman: Readers should be aware that both I and Brenda Softbrick, who wrote the above article, come from a line of brickbuilders.

The Barnum & Bricklyn Circus Returns Home!

April 13, 2025

by Amanda B. Starr, Metro Desk

Barnum & Bricklyn Circus troupe entering the Big Top in Bricklyn, Vermont.
All photos and graphics in this article prepared by Bricklyn Eagle staffer Ann Tiler Anderson with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.

After a two year absence, the famed Barnum & Bricklyn Circus has come back to its home base at the Bricklyn Fairgrounds, after touring more than twenty other Inland LEGO cities and realms.

Clowns arriving at the Bricklyn Fairgrounds last week for the 2025 edition of the Barnum & Bricklyn Circus.

The Bricklyn Legotary is lead sponsor of the Circus’s much anticipated return to Bricklyn. As Legotary president Jerry Plater-Zybrick told us:

“The Barnum & Bricklyn Circus is undoubtedly the most popular attraction that we in Bricklyn share with the rest of the Inland world.”

“Crowds of LEGO people from Realms around the globe,” noted Plater-Zybrick, “have marveled at Barnum & Bricklyn’s dazzling Big Top show. Legotary chapters have been the principal sponsors of Barnum & Bricklyn during its 2024-2025 tour — and it’s all for a great cause, helping raise money to ensure that lower income LEGO families can afford high quality child care.”

“We at the Bricklyn Legotary,” Plater-Zybrick added, “are excited to see the Barnum & Bricklyn return to its home base of Bricklyn. The Big Top will be packed for both afternoon and evening shows so Bricklynites, get your tickets now.”

Calvin Plater Hobbs, Ringmaster of the Barnum & Bricklyn Circus since 2020.

The spectacular opening act had the sold-out Bricklyn crowd enthralled on opening night last Wednesday.

Tom Brickorti, CEO of the Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce, also applauded the Circus’s return. As Brickorti told us: “The Barnum & Bricklyn showcases the very best of Bricklyn. It’s an event that brings families together, and puts a smile on everyones’ face. It’s especially welcome during these challenging days we’ve been facing, when so many people are worried about Bricklyn’s future. The Barnum & Bricklyn is the perfect tonic we all need.”

Free donuts provided by Dunk Them Donuts to all attending the Circus.

During the Circus’s stay, Bricklyn donut mogul David Tiler Broffman is providing free donuts for all attendees.

As Broffman noted, “Dunk Them Donuts is proud to be a chief sponsor of the Barnum & Bricklyn Circus. We could think of no better way of supporting the Legotary’s fine work than by providing free donuts to every visitor … and that even includes Homer Simpson. As Homer would say, “there’s nothing like munching on a tasty Dunk Them Donut while sitting under the Big Top.”

Changes Under the Big Top

Visitors to the Barnum & Bricklyn Circus will find a few big differences this year. Most notably, the absence of lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

We asked Barnum & Bricklyn CEO Marv Strawbrick about this change.

As Strawbrick explained, “We’re focusing more on the artistry of our amazing performers, our jugglers, high wire artists, horse riders, acrobats, and clowns.”

“Circuses have come to realize,” said Strawbrick, “that having wild animals is not necessary to the circus experience. In fact, in surveys we have seen, a growing number of circus visitors have indicated their concern about the ethics of using wild animals in a circus.”

As Strawbrick continued, “while we at the Barnum & Bricklyn have always given priority to treating all of our animal performers kindly and with care, we understand these concerns, based though they are on some of those ‘bad apple, low-budget’ circuses you still find in parts of the Outland world.”

While these LEGO critters no longer perform under the Barnum & Bricklyn’s Big Top, they are still considered part of the Circus family. Barnum & Bricklyn has purchased and set aside 100 acres along the Brickooski River for them to live. Still, the former performing animals were excited by the return last week of their long-time Barnum & Bricklyn friends, and attended a special preview performance..

What Circus-Goers Like Best

Blonde haired Melissa and brown haired Thomas at the Barnum & Bricklyn Circus on Saturday.

In walking through the fairgrounds, we asked several circus-goers what they liked best about the circus. Among the many young people with smiles on their faces, we spoke with ten year old Melissa and twelve year old Thomas, both of whom were about to get some cotton candy, always a favorite at the circus.

“Wow. we Just saw the Big Top show,” Melissa said. “It’s so much better than even two years ago. I was just eight years old then. What I love best is Miss Tracy on the high wire. I thought, oh my god, how can she walk up there like that! While it would be scary, it would also be so exciting to be so high and see everyone looking so little down below. I just love the circus!” Then turning towards her parents, Melissa called out, “Mom, Dad, can we please come back to the Circus again next week?”

Miss Tracy in the Big Top, high above the ground.

Thomas told us that what he liked best “was definitely the clowns,” explaining that “maybe it’s because I also like to clown around. Hey, I’m joking about that!”

Thomas added, “Most of the clowns are happy, but some are sort of scary looking and some look sad. Don’t know why. If I had a job as a clown I’d be walking around smiling all the time, while sticking out my tongue at people, or just playing jokes on them.”

“Being a clown,” Thomas concluded, “sure would be very cool and lots of fun.”

Barnum & Bricklyn Circus Poster from 2012.

Outside the Big Top we chatted with some others in the crowd. Ellen Brickhouse, an elementary school teacher and resident of Bricklyn Junction, told us:

“It’s so enjoyable to come here with my sister and her two kids. They’re six and eight and it’s their first circus. What a great job Barnum & Bricklyn does. It really is a show for all ages, but especially for kids, or those of us older folks who are still kids at heart. With all the bad news I’ve been reading — and, yes, including in your newspaper — it’s so nice to be able to spend some stress-free time here at the Fairgrounds.”

We also spotted Federal Council member Bill B. Butler exiting the Big Top. “Yes, I’m using my day off from Brick Rail to see the circus,” Butler told us, explaining that “I’m a big fan of Barnum & Bricklyn, and especially love their beautiful horses and the fancy tricks they and their riders can do.”

“As you know,” Butler added, “we [the Bricklyn Federal Council] voted recently to make sure that the Bricklyn Fairgrounds — along with Riverside Park — will never become the site of a nuclear power plant.

“We’ve called for an investigation of that plan cooked up by former YMK Brickburger to sell the Fairgrounds to Nu-Clear Bricklyn so they can build a nuclear power plant right here where we’re standing. The Fairgrounds is really the only place in Bricklyn where we can hold a big event like the circus, and we’re going to keep it that way!”

That wraps it up for today. Reporting from the Bricklyn Fairgrounds and the Barnum & Bricklyn Circus, Amanda B. Starr for The Bricklyn Eagle.

p.s., I also want to report to you that photographer Ann Anderson, who caught me with that mega-sized chocolate donut, is also at this very minute munching on an equally large strawberry frosted donut loaded with sprinkles! ✥

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: Thank you for your coverage of this exciting event. Let’s hope that the Barnum & Bricklyn Circus spends more time in its hometown of Bricklyn. Coming every other year is just not often enough! — Nancy Sugarbrick, South Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: Just what’s the status with the Fairgrounds in light of the deal Nu-Clear Bricklyn “cooked up,” as Councilor Butler put it. Maybe we need a nuclear power plant, but I agree with the Councilor that it shouldn’t be at the Fairgrounds, especially since it’s the only site in Bricklyn that can accommodate the Circus and the Fall Expo. As I’ve said many times before, “common sense is something that everyone needs, few have, and none think they lack.” — Franklin B. Benjamin, Bricklyn Jct., VT.

Burns and Broffman at Nu-Clear Bricklyn offices. — Photo provided to the Bricklyn Eagle by an anonymous source of Mr. Burns and Dunk Them Donuts CEO Broffman at Nu-Clear Bricklyn offices.

Reply from the Editor: The Bricklyn Eagle will continue to follow the Federal Council initiated investigation into the deal former Yuppie-Mayor-King Brickburger made with C. Montgomery Burns that purportedly sold the Fairgrounds and Riverside Park sites to Nu-Clear Bricklyn, Inc. for construction of a nuclear power plant. It is noteworthy that Dunk Them Donuts magnate David Tiler Broffman has also been implicated in the Nu-Clear Bricklyn deal.

To the Editor: As a Vermont neighbor of Bricklyn, I want to make sure that readers are aware of the amazing Vermont-based Circus Smirkus, which tours with performances given by talented teens every Summer. Perhaps the Barnum & Bricklyn folks could arrange to have teenage Bricklynites visit a Circus Smirkus performance, as I believe one or two are scheduled within Vermont’s Outerlands. Here’s a delightful short video with highlights from the Circus Smirkus 2024 tour. — Terri S., Waterbury, VT.