Rendering courtesy of Brookfield Properties

Brookfield Properties today announced the rebranding of the MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn to Brooklyn Commons. The $50 million redevelopment project aims to modernize the property through the renovation of several of the office buildings within the campus, upgrades to the central public park space, and a year-round arts and event program that will be free and open to the public.

Rendering courtesy of Brookfield Properties

In addition to the updated office buildings and upgraded outdoor space, the redevelopment project includes renovations to the 1, 2, and 15 MetroTech buildings. The buildings will receive new lobbies, outdoor terraces, and modern ground-floor retail.

Upgrades to the 3.6-acre Brooklyn Commons Park will be designed by James Corner Field Operations landscape architects and include enhanced outdoor seating, new lighting, new signage and wayfinding, redesigned landscaping, seasonal gardens, and plantings.

Arts Brookfield, Brookfield’s own renowned cultural and events program, will put together a calendar of free public events and activities. Activities include theater performances, outdoor movie nights, exercise classes, a children’s book fair, an ice-skating rink, holiday celebrations, food festivals, and live music.

Brookfield Properties is looking to modernize the 16-acre, 12-building property which was originally built in the 1980s as a self-contained office park for data-processing centers and back offices for financial institutions.

“Downtown Brooklyn has rapidly transformed into a thriving commercial and residential district, and we are proud to lead the charge in reimagining Brooklyn Commons as a vibrant hub for business, education, art, culture and community,” Callie Haines, Executive Vice President and Head of New York, Brookfield Properties, said. “Embracing and building upon the area’s momentous growth, we are repositioning Brooklyn Commons as an integrated, open campus for the 21st century.”

Brooklyn Commons is in close proximity to 13 subway lines and home to tenants across a variety of fields, including the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Slate Media, and JPMorgan Chase.

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Image courtesy of JDS Development Group

Brookyn’s first and only supertall tower officially launched sales on Wednesday. Designed by SHoP Architects, the Brooklyn Tower is a 93-story skyscraper standing at 1,066 feet in Downtown Brooklyn. Located at 9 Dekalb Avenue, the building’s 150 condo units start on the 53rd floor of the tower at an elevation of 535 feet, providing unparalleled views of the surrounding cityscape. Residences are priced from $875,000 for studios to $8 million for four bedrooms. Two-bedrooms start at $2.4 million, three-bedrooms start at $2.95 million, and four-bedrooms start at $5.9 million.

Image courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

JDS Development Group announced the start of sales, which will be managed by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

“The Brooklyn Tower is a symbol of Brooklyn’s unceasing drive and ambition, elevating its skyline and architecture to new heights,” Michael Stern, founder and CEO of JDS Development Group, said in a statement. “The quality, craftsmanship, and unparalleled views make owning a residence in this building a once-in-a-generation opportunity. This may be our best building yet.”

The tower will also contain 400 rental units, with 30 percent of them designated affordable for those earning 130 percent of the area median income. That means a household income of $108,680 for a single person and $155,090 for a family of four. Leasing for the rentals is expected to kick off this summer; rent prices have not yet been released.

Image courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

Designed by Gachot Studios, the tower’s units are designed to maximize residents’ views of the city. With a hexagonal shape and floor-to-ceiling windows, many units feature multiple exposures. The interiors were designed with tranquility in mind, a feeling brought on through the unit’s warm, rich layered finishes and hexagonal mosaic flooring. Living spaces feature 11-foot ceiling heights and European white oak flooring.

Custom-designed kitchens boast absolute black granite countertops and graphite matte black and bronze cabinetry. They are equipped with state-of-the-art Meile appliances including a refrigerator, gas cooktop, convection oven, dishwasher, and washer and dryer.

Primary bathrooms feature custom-designed vanities, absolute black granite countertops, and waterwork fixtures. The showers are adorned with Breccia Capria marble and finished with absolute black granite marble flooring in a hexagonal pattern.

The tower has 120,000 square feet of amenity space and over 100,000 square feet of retail space at its base, which includes the landmarked Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn. Amenities include The Dome Pool and Terrace, three outdoor pools creatively designed around the Bank’s Guastavino dome. The roof deck is accompanied by a hammock lounge, an outdoor dining area, barbeque grills, lounge seating, outdoor showers, and a fire pit.

Image courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

The tower’s 66th floor holds a double-height, open-air sky deck, which will have the world’s highest dog run, an outdoor children’s playground, and a foosball court. A sky lounge with space for outdoor dining and entertaining, a cocktail bar, lounge seating, and an outdoor fireplace will be located on the 88th floor.

Additional amenities include a double-height poolside lounge and cocktail bar, a fitness club, movie theatre with wet bar, a chef’s catering kitchen and private dining room, billiards room, conference room, private meeting room, and a library with co-working spaces. Ground-level amenities include a 24-hour doorman, valet services, coffee station, and a rideshare lounge.

In April 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved The Brooklyn Tower’s use of the Dime Savings Bank’s dome. The building officially topped out last October.

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Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

Fifty low-income units are available at a new residential building in Downtown Brooklyn. Located at 50 Nevins Street, the two-building project was developed by the Institute for Community Living and designed by Dattner Architects. New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income, or between $35,418 annually for a single person or $77,340 for a household of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $947/month studios to $1,421/month two-bedrooms.

According to Yimby, the project required the gutting of a 95-year-old existing eight-story building and the construction of a new ten-story building that extends past the northeast corner of the original structure’s roof.

The existing property originally housed the Stepping Stone Residence, a transitional housing program created by the ICL in 1986. The new building will carry the group’s advocacy for social wellness by providing homes for low-income families and adults dealing with mental illness, according to the New York Housing Conference.

The development contains 129 affordable units, 78 of which are set aside for formerly homeless New Yorkers, including veterans and those with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.

Amenities include 24-hour front desk security, an exercise room, community room, multi-purpose room, computer lab, bike parking, tenant storage space, and a laundry room.

The property utilizes sustainable construction practices that ensure residents’ comfort and decrease energy costs, including solar panels, LED lighting, energy recovery-based heating and cooling systems, and efficient windows.

The building is near several public transit options, including the B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, and 4 subway trains.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until May 20, 2022. Complete details on how to apply are available here. 50 percent of the units are prioritized for residents of Brooklyn Community District 2. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

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The construction site in June 2022 © Ondel Hylton

Construction has officially begun on yet another new residential skyscraper in Downtown Brooklyn. Located at 589 Fulton Street, The Brook is a 600-foot-tall luxury rental with 591 apartments and 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities. Developed by Witkoff and Apollo and designed by Beyer Blinder Belle, the building broke ground just days before the 421-a tax abatement program expired, allowing developers to still cash in on the 35-year tax break.

Rendering courtesy of NQS Creative

The building was designed by Beyer Blinder Belle, with interiors designed by Bonetti Kozerski. In addition to the expansive amenities, the ground floor will include 30,000 square feet of retail space, with an additional 12,000 square feet of retail space located in the cellar.

“The groundbreaking of The Brook is another milestone in the continued evolution of Downtown Brooklyn, bringing more high-end retail to the streetscape and new residences in this sought-after location,” Scott Alper, president of Witkoff, said. “We are honored to spearhead this monumental development in Downtown Brooklyn.”

The developers narrowly avoided the expiration of New York’s 421-a tax abatement program, which expires Wednesday. To utilize the program’s tax benefit, 30 percent of The Brook’s units must be affordable, according to the New York Post.

“The Brook is going to be a great addition to Downtown Brooklyn’s Flatbush Avenue – one of the grand entrances to the borough,” Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, said.

“Downtown Brooklyn is becoming one of the best places to live, and 600 units right at the crossroads of the neighborhood will be transformative.”

The new tower will be located close to up-and-coming Witkoff and Apollo development, 555 Fulton Street, a low-rise retail building with a wrap-around glass facade.

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Rendering courtesy of CetraRuddy

A housing lottery opened this week for 55 middle-income units at a new residential development in Downtown Brooklyn. Located at 22 Chapel Street, the 20-story tower offers its residents a prime location at the intersection of Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Fort Greene Park, Boerum Hill, Barclays Center, and the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $79,098 for two people and $215,150 for a household of seven, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,307/month studios to $3,431/month three bedrooms.

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

Developed by a partnership of Delshah Capital, OTL Enterprises, and START Treatment & Recovery Centers, the development’s amenities include a landscaped rooftop terrace with a pool, fitness center, bike room, 88 covered parking spaces, and a children’s playroom. All units come equipped with washers and dryers.

There is also retail space and 15,000 square feet of community area, as well as a new headquarters for the START organization.

“Our design for 22 Chapel Street responds to a unique site that serves as a gateway to Brooklyn and the many other new developments underway near the Manhattan Bridge,” John Cetra, founding principal of CetraRuddy, said.

“Our goal was to capitalize on this highly visible location on Flatbush Avenue with an iconic form that brings fresh energy to the Brooklyn skyline, while offering dramatic views over McLaughlin Park next door, and long vistas to the Dumbo neighborhood and Lower Manhattan.”

CetraRuddy’s design follows the renowned firm’s reputation for creating residences that optimize natural night, the flow of fresh air, and use large windows to allow for the best views. The building’s white, layered facade was designed to stand out from the more traditional, glass-wrapped buildings that have become commonplace among new developments nowadays.

The building’s units are accessible through a “single-loaded corridor,” which guarantees that each apartment has great views of the skyline and surrounding greenery. The tower’s side that faces Chapel Street utilizes a “system of translucent fiberglass” that reflects light and illuminates the street even into the late hours of the night, according to a press release.

The property is located in close proximity to eight major subway lines, including the A, B, C, D, E, F, G, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until August 31, 2022. Complete details on how to apply are available here. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

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All images courtesy of Daniela G. Maldonado

Bronx-born conceptual artist Fred Wilson last week unveiled his first-ever large-scale public sculpture. Located within Columbus Park in Downtown Brooklyn, Mind Forged Manacles/Manacles Forged Minds features the use of ornamental gates, fences, and 10-foot-tall statues of African figures as metaphors for systematic racism and “acts in conversation” with the neighborhood’s nearby landmarks and buildings. Presented by More Art, Wilson’s sculpture is on display through June 2023.

The sculpture’s use of fencing and gates is meant to serve as a metaphor for “security and gated communities, insecurity, the incarceration of Black men, the detainment of illegal immigrants, [and] policing,” according to an official press release.

The gates also play on English poet William Blake’s concept of “Mind Forg’d Manacles,” which are “self-created barriers” people put up in their minds that are “built by fear, division, and perceptions of difference.”

While the installation isn’t strictly site-specific, its close proximity to the monuments and buildings found within and around Columbus Park implores viewers to be “site conscious.” The sculpture is situated between a sculpture of Henry Ward Beecher, a 19th-century clergyman known for his support for the abolition of slavery, a statue of Christopher Columbus, and the Kings County Supreme Court building.

In relation to the nearby structures, Wilson’s sculpture encourages viewers to explore issues of freedom, justice, slavery, and mass incarceration.

“For the next year, Mind Forged Manacles/Manacles Forged Minds will transform Downtown Brooklyn’s Columbus Park into a place for reflection on themes related to history, freedom, security, incarceration, race, immigration and how they’re reflected in our public spaces and monuments,” Laurie Cumbo, the city’s Cultural Affairs Commissioner, said.

Wilson’s installation is one of the projects that is being funded through the Downtown Brooklyn + Dumbo Art Fund, under New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

“Creating spaces in our communities and public parks for such representative and powerful art is important. While some people prefer learning their history through stories or lectures and documentaries, creating expressive art allows someone to interpret historical facts and their relevance today,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said. “Fred Wilson’s sculpture does just that. Thank you to our colleagues at Downtown Brooklyn + Dumbo Art Fund for supporting such an important exhibition.”

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All images courtesy of Daniela G. Maldonado

Criollas at Columbus Circle Holiday Market in 2021, all images courtesy of Jacob Williamson

Food hall operator Urbanspace, known for hosting annual holiday markets in Union Square and Columbus Circle, announced last week that it will be opening a new location in Downtown Brooklyn just in time for the holiday season. Located in Columbus Park in Downtown Brooklyn, the new Brooklyn Borough Hall market will open on November 28 and run through December 26. Applications are being accepted for vendors at the new market until September 1, which can be submitted here.

Three Angels at Union Square Holiday Market in 2021

Urbanspace is focused on giving vending opportunities and exposure to Brooklyn-based minority-owned businesses to reflect the borough’s diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Supported by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Brooklyn Heights Association, and the Montague BID, the new market will feature 100 vendors.

“Brooklyn-owned businesses contribute tremendously to our city’s economy, and supporting and highlighting these businesses is critically important to me,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said.

“This year’s inaugural holiday market off the steps of Borough Hall is sure to do just that, while spreading holiday cheer. I encourage Brooklyn-owned businesses to apply for their space at the Brooklyn holiday market this year.”

The market will be conveniently located close to the 2, 3, 4, 5, and R subway lines.

Other holiday markets run by Urbanspace are located at Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Bryant Park. In addition to holiday markets, Urbanspace has a number of food hall locations around the city. More information on those spots can be found here.

“The new Urbanspace holiday market at Borough Hall is a great example of how we can activate underutilized public space and create opportunities for a diverse cross-section of small businesses from around the borough to reach new customer bases,” Council Member Lincoln Restler.

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All photos courtesy of Bradley McCallum

A new public art installation in Downtown Brooklyn aims to bring attention to the fight against racism, violence, and the abuse of power within the criminal justice system. Created by artist Bradley McCallum, Witnessing transforms emergency call boxes once found on city sidewalks into memorials for victims and survivors of police brutality. McCallum’s work will be on display in The Plaza at 300 Ashland through January 2023.

Witnessing consists of six, 7-foot-tall call boxes placed around the Plaza, with each offering visitors the opportunity to honor those who lost their lives to police violence. The viewer is drawn in through audio and visual elements that promote observation and reflection, according to a press release.

The project remasters Witness: Perspectives on Police Violence (1999-2000), an art exhibition McCallum created two decades ago. The installation was created in response to city-wide protests following police brutality against New Yorkers Abner Louima in 1997 and Amadou Diallo in 1999.

The two-decade-old installation featured call boxes placed at sites of police brutality around the city, with audio testimony from victims, witnesses, and police officers. McCallum’s revival of the concept signifies the lack of change that has occurred in the 20 years since he first released the project.

The installation is presented in memory of New Yorkers who were killed by police, including Anthony Baez, Nicholas Heward Jr., Anthony Rosario, Hilton Vega, Yong Xin Huang, Anibal Calderon, Frankie Arzuaga, and Nathanial Levi Gaines.

“Witnessing engages with the lived experiences of suffering and how people are affected by abuses of power daily,” McCallum said. “I hope the public climate has shifted enough for people – especially the authorities, politicians, and policymakers – to understand Witnessing as a monument to our shared humanity.”

McCallum continued: “As the father of a mixed-race son who is now 19 years old, I appreciate first-hand the fear that comes with systemic racism and the challenges we face in policing our democracy.”

McCallum’s installation was funded by a grant from the Downtown Brooklyn + Dumbo Art Fund, a joint effort between the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and Dumbo Improvement District as part of the NY State Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

“Building on the mission of the Downtown Brooklyn + Dumbo Art Fund, Witnessing will not only activate our shared spaces but also offer our community a place to connect, reflect, and interact,” Regina Myer, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, said.

“We’re proud to showcase Witnessing in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn’s thriving cultural district and look forward to seeing residents, visitors, workers, and students engage with this important piece of public art.”

More information on Witnessing can be found here.

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Photo © NYC DOT

One of Brooklyn’s busiest and most dangerous streets became safer this week. The city’s Department of Transportation on Wednesday unveiled the Schermerhorn Street redesign, which includes a two-way protected bike lane, one-way vehicle traffic, and new pedestrian space. The street is an essential east-west route that connects cyclists to and from the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

Before. Photo © NYC DOT

The new design complements Downtown Brooklyn’s Shared Streets network and prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist safety. On a typical weekday, more than 1,000 cyclists travel along Schermerhorn Street.

The redesign implements a “one-way conversion” for vehicle traffic on Schermerhorn Street between Smith Street and Flatbush Avenue to create space for a 10-foot two-way bike lane on the street’s south side.

The new Schermerhorn Street bike lane aims to work seamlessly with the nearby protected bike lane network, including the recently completed Brooklyn Bridge bike lane.

“Schermerhorn Street had been the worst bike lane in Brooklyn for years,” Council Member Lincoln Restler said. “Now, we finally have the two-way protected bike lane that our community has demanded and that will allow New Yorkers to cycle through Downtown Brooklyn safely and efficiently.”

Data shows that protected bike lanes reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries by 18 percent, according to the city. Pedestrian islands have also been shown to decrease serious injuries and deaths by 35.5 percent.

The Schermerhorn Street bike lane redesign is part of the DOT’s broader Shared Streets plan in Downtown Brooklyn. The plan aims to support a “pedestrian-centric business district” by naturally slowing traffic and prioritizing the travels of pedestrians and cyclists while still allowing vehicles to do pick-ups and drop-offs.

Other streets that are in the process of being revamped include Hoyt and Fulton Streets, Elm Place and Livingston Street, and Bridge Street. Proposed streets to undergo a redesign include Willoughby Avenue, Pearl Street, Lawrence Street, Fleet Street, and Bond Street.

The bike lane’s redesign comes as the DOT celebrates Biketober, a month-long series of open-street events that focus on bike programming, education, rides, and resources. Events will teach participants about riding, bike repair, bike law education, and more.

“As our administration continues to add and protect bike lanes, we are not simply isolating one type of infrastructure — we are looking holistically at our streets and implementing comprehensive plans to make them safer,” Mayor Eric Adams said.

Adams continued: “This Biketober, the cycling community can feel confident that this administration is prioritizing their safety and taking action with tools proven to keep cyclists, pedestrians, and all road users safer. We look forward to continuing to work with the community to identify opportunities for these kinds of redesigns.”

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Image courtesy of Selvon Ramsawak

New York City’s first fully electric skyscraper topped out in Downtown Brooklyn this week. The 44-story building 100 Flatbush is part of the first phase of Alloy Block, a mixed-use five-building development designed by Alloy Development to have 850 apartments, 200,000 square feet of office space, and two public schools. 100 Flatbush will contain 441 mixed-income residences, 396 of which will be market-rate rentals and 45 separate affordable residences, and 30,000 square feet of retail space.

Rendering: Alloy Development

Functions of the skyscraper that normally would run on gas will be run off electricity instead. Apartments will have sustainable features like induction cooktops and heat pump dryers. With these features, 100 Flatbush aims to be carbon neutral upon its completion.

Both of the public schools, the Khalil Gibran International Academy (KGIA) and a new public elementary school, are designed by the Architecture Research Office. KGIA is NYC’s first Arabic language-focused high school and with its newfound space within Alloy Block, will be able to accommodate more students. The school will also include a new cafeteria, gym, and library. The schools will be the first Passive House-certified public schools in the city.

Alloy Development is pursuing a partnership with a community solar developer that will have 100 Flatbush run on 100 percent local renewable energy and comply with the NYC Department of Buildings rules regarding Local Law 97. Passed in 2019, LL97 requires building owners of more than 25,000 square feet to cap their property’s greenhouse emissions or face fines.

Rendering: Alloy Development

“The Alloy Block is a transformative vision for Downtown Brooklyn and will set a new standard for sustainable development for New York,” Jared Della Valle, CEO of Alloy, said.

“As the city’s first fully electrified skyscraper, 100 Flatbush not only serves as a model for sustainable urban development but it also delivers for the community by providing much-needed housing, along with retail along Flatbush Avenue. We thank our construction team for its hard work toward reaching this exciting milestone.”

Alloy Block was first approved by the NYC Council in September 2018, after a negotiation that lowered the heights of its two tallest buildings from 986 to 840 feet, and 560 to 510 feet, respectively. As part of the agreement, the number of units within the complex was cut from 900 to 870.

Construction on the first phase of Alloy Block began in July 2021, which included the 44-story 100 Flatbush building, retail space, and the two public schools.

The project’s second phase will include a mixed-use residential, office, and retail tower, which will also have a space for a new cultural institution.

The Urban Atelier Group is leading the construction of 100 Flatbush, expected to be completed by 2024.

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Rendering courtesy of The Roller Wave

An indoor roller rink is coming to the heart of Brooklyn. Set to open on February 11 at the Atlantic Terminal Mall, The Roller Wave will offer a 9,000-square-foot venue with skating, live performances, DJs, food and beverage options, and an arcade. Founded by NYC native Harry Martin, the Roller Wave is a traveling pop-up roller skating experience. The rink, which will be open through June 4, will be the Roller Wave’s first true location.

Rendering courtesy of The Roller Wave

Over the last few years, there’s been a resurgence of roller skating in New York City and across the country, aided by the pandemic. While the city’s rinks are largely designed for warm weather, like Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, and the DiscOasis at Wollman Rink in Central Park, The Roller Wave’s indoor experience allows for winter skating.

Martin, who grew up visiting the Empire Skating Rink in Crown Heights, wanted to pay homage to the culture and history of skating.

“Mid-century black Americans laid the groundwork for the evolution of roller skating,” Martin said. “We are very excited to put the spotlight back on the Brooklyn community, and Atlantic Terminal Mall is the perfect epicenter to celebrate the community in an authentic and innovative way.”

The Roller Wave will host guest spots from DJs and musicians and offer food and beverage options from Buds 2 Roses Café, with prepared food items from Union Square Hospitality Group.

Starting February 11, The Roller Wave will be open at 625 Atlantic Avenue on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The rink is open to all ages until 8 p.m., followed by adult-only sessions.

Tickets are priced at $14.50 plus a $5 skate rental fee for children and $19.50 for adults plus a $10 skate rental fee. Get more details here.

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Photo by Evan Joseph

The top of the tallest tower in Brooklyn is now complete, cementing its status as New York City’s newest landmark. The Brooklyn Tower rises 93 stories from a marble base with a facade of repeating vertical columns and alternating panels of colored metals that fade from bronze to black as it moves upward to the neo-Deco crown. The spired pinnacle reaches 1,066 feet, making the Brooklyn Tower the tallest building in the borough.

Photo by Evan Joseph

Inspired by the landmarked Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn’s hexagonal composition, SHoP Architects designed the Brooklyn Tower with dramatic cascading setbacks and soaring columns. The historic bank, its facade preserved, and the new tower are combined; the bank building will hold retail space and a second entry to the residential tower.

Photo by Stephen Penta

Photo by Stephen Penta

The rest of the tower continues to take shape, in addition to the crown. According to a spokesperson for the project, the installation of the building’s “convexcave” columns has begun. The marble-columned podium shifts from a convex to a concave shape as it rises, giving texture and movement to the base.

Developed by JDS Development Group, the Brooklyn Tower contains 150 condos and 400 rentals, 30 percent of which will be designated affordable.

Sales for the condos, which start on the 53rd floor, launched last March. Residences are priced from $875,000 for studios to $8 million for four bedrooms. AD 100 firm Gachot Studios designed the apartments to maximize views via floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple exposures.

The tower boasts 120,000 square feet of amenity space, including the “Dome Pool and Terrace:” three outdoor pools that wrap around the bank’s Guastavino dome. On the 66th floor, an open-air sky deck features the “world’s highest dog run,” a children’s playground, and a basketball court. The sky lounge on the 85th floor features lounges, bars, an outdoor fireplace, and unobstructed views.

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All photos courtesy of Cameron Blaylock for Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

A new interactive public art installation in Downtown Brooklyn transforms a plaza into a colorful oasis with shimmering lights. The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and Van Alen Institute on Wednesday unveiled “COMMON GROUND,” a site-specific sculpture created by artist Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong with lighting design by Arup featuring colorful seating, sound-responsive lighting, and floor motifs that provide a vibrant space for people to gather. The installation will be on view from March 1 to May 1 at The Plaza at 300 Ashland.

Inspired by the geometric arrangements of shrines and other sacred spaces, COMMON GROUND has transformed this plaza in Downtown Brooklyn into an “oasis” for sitting, socializing, and gathering both day and night.

From 5 p.m. through 12 a.m., the installation glows with color-changing lighting and sensors that respond to environmental sounds. Playing off the sounds of external noises like footsteps, voices, and traffic, light animations pulse and shimmer across the sculpture, blending together with the installation’s vibrantly-colored seating.

“With its bold colors and interactive light display, COMMON GROUND transforms one of Downtown Brooklyn’s signature public spaces into a work of art that will engage visitors while also injecting color and life into our streetscape,” Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, said.

“We are excited to once again partner with Van Alen Institute and Two Trees on a project that invites everyone to pause, reflect, and come together in this unique immersive installation.”

Several live performances will be held at COMMON GROUND in the coming weeks. On April 6, Peniel Guerrier and Kriye Bode will energize the plaza with Haitian Rara, and on April 13, dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist Kendra J. Ross will give spectators an inside look at her latest work.

On April 20, the all-female multicultural dance trio Soles of Duende will perform a dance routine celebrating tap, flamenco, and kathak dance. Finally, on April 22, the Pratt Institute’s fashion department will end its academic year with its junior thesis, a fashion performance featuring a selection of works.

“COMMON GROUND creates this playful interruption on the plaza, one of Downtown Brooklyn’s everyday spaces, to bring a new community pavilion to the area,” Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong said. “By night, it becomes a large-scale instrument of sorts, responding to environmental audio — you’re encouraged to come sit, sing, play, linger and experience the art.”

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Image courtesy of Evan Joseph

Here’s a chance to live in Brooklyn’s tallest tower for (slightly) less. The 93-story Brooklyn Tower launched a housing lottery this week for 120 middle-income apartments. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $90,172 annually for a single person and $215,150 for a household of seven, can apply for the units, priced between $2,630/month for studios and $3,872/month for three bedrooms.

Image courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

Developed by JDS Development Group and designed by SHoP Architects, the Brooklyn Tower rises 1,066 feet tall and contains 150 condos and 400 rental units, 30 percent of which are priced below market-rate. The soaring building’s striking neo-Deco crown was completed in February, cementing the building as the borough’s tallest.

Sales launched for the condo units last March; current availabilities start at $965,000 for a studio and go up to $6,200,000 for a four-bedroom penthouse. The condos start on the 53rd floor of the tower at an elevation of 535 feet, granting spectacular views of the surrounding cityscape.

The Brooklyn Tower’s below-market-rate units are spread throughout the rental floors. Prices start at $2,630/month for studios, with eligible New Yorkers earning at least $90,172/month annually.

Applicants must make at least $96,378 to qualify for the one-bedrooms and $115,200 for the two-bedrooms.

The apartments are also rent-stabilized. As part of the initial leasing launch, the tower is offering one month free on the first lease term and a $500 security deposit for all units.

Image courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

Image courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

SHoP Architects took inspiration from the Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn when designing the Brooklyn Tower. The historic bank has been incorporated into the base of the building, with its facade preserved. SHoP used the bank’s distinct hexagonal composition as an inspiration for the tower’s design.

The tower’s design is characterized by its “convexacave” columns that give the building a shape that shifts as it rises. The design goes from convex to concave, giving texture and movement the closer it gets to the pinnacle, according to a spokesperson.

Designed by AD100 firm Gachot Studios, interiors put comfort and function front and center. Every apartment features state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, a dishwasher and dryer, floor-to-ceiling windows, white oak flooring, granite countertops, and porcelain bath tiles.

Images courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

The tower contains 120,000 square feet of amenity space, including the “Dome Pool and Terrace,” three outdoor pools situated around the bank’s iconic Guastavino dome. Located on the 66th floor, pet owners can use what is described as the “world’s highest dog run,” in addition to a children’s playground, and a basketball court.

A sky lounge on the tower’s 85th floor features multiple lounges, bars, an outdoor fireplace, and unparalleled 360-degree views of New York City and beyond.

Additional amenities found throughout the building include a double-height poolside lounge and cocktail bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center and health club with a 75-foot indoor lap pool and whirlpool, co-working spaces, a billiards room, and a movie theater with a wet bar, according to CityRealty.

Nearby public transit options include the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, G, B, D, N, Q, and R subway lines as well as the B25, B26, B38, and B52 buses.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until May 30, 2023. Complete details on how to apply are available here. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

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• The Brooklyn Tower’s striking neo-Deco crown is complete
• Sales launch at Brooklyn’s first supertall, condos priced from $875K
• Get a first look inside the tallest tower in Brooklyn

Photo courtesy of Evan Joseph

Leasing has launched for market-rate rental units in Brooklyn’s tallest tower. Located in Downtown Brooklyn, the 93-story Brooklyn Tower offers residences designed by award-winning Gachot Studios and over 120,000 square feet of luxury amenities, including three outdoor pools surrounding the dome of the historic Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn. Rentals start at $3,965/month for studios, $5,075/month for one-bedrooms, and $7,100/month for two-bedrooms.

Kitchen in Brooklyn Tower two-bedroom. Photo courtesy of Tim Williams.

Living room in Brooklyn Tower two-bedroom. Photo courtesy of Tim Williams

“The Brooklyn Tower is a new beacon and architectural reminder of this borough’s rich history and innovation,” Michael Stern founder and CEO of JDS Development Group, said. “The Brooklyn Tower offers a unique opportunity for renters to be the first to live in Brooklyn’s most recognizable landmark and the most notable new addition to New York City’s iconic skyline.”

Found between the 11th and 52nd floors of the tower, the units feature an “elevated” design curatead by Gachot Studios that includes floor-to-ceiling windows, carefully considered layouts, soaring ceilings, and custom kitchens. Each unit has been meticulously crafted for maximized city views and multiple exposures.

Current rentals available start at $3,407/month for a studio, $4,350/month one-bedroom, and $6,085/month for a two-bedroom, two-bath, with a concession of two months free rent reflected in the price.

Kitchens boast a warm design, with a layering of graphite matte black and bronze mirror cabinetry and black granite countertops. Each kitchen is equipped with fully-integrated state-of-the-art appliances including a refrigerator, gas cooktop, convection oven, dishwasher, and a washer and dryer unit.

Brooklyn Tower studio. Photo courtesy of Tim Williams

Photo courtesy of Tim Williams

The primary bathrooms are adorned with porcelain tiled walls and a brass and bronze accent trim, as well as custom hexagonal mosaic floors. Custom-designed vanities feature black granite countertops, custom sconces, and custom medicine cabinets with charging stations.

The secondary bathrooms feature tiled walls, custom vanities in light mahogany finishes, black granite countertops, and fixtures with a matte black finish. Powder rooms, located in select residences, have been beautifully designed with light mahogany walls, custom lighting, marble, and black granite stone flooring with a custom triangular mosaic.

Images courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

The Brooklyn Tower’s amenity suite includes both indoor and outdoor facilities with interior design by Woods Bagot, architecture by SHoP Architects, and landscape design by HMWhite.

The Dome Pool and Terrace has three outdoor pools situated on a roof deck around the historic Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn’s Guastavino dome. The deck features a 75-foot pool, a kid’s pool, and a whirlpool, as well as a hammock lounge, an outdoor dining area, barbeque grills, lounge seating, a fire pit, and outdoor showers.

Images courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

Additional amenities include a double-height poolside lounge and cocktail bar, a movie theatre, a billiards room, a library with co-working spaces, and a conference room. The building will also include SkyPark, the world’s highest dog run, a playground, and outdoor games.

Residents will have access to Life Time at The Brooklyn Tower, a luxury fitness club with five studios for barre, cycle, group fitness, pilates, yoga, and cardio and strength equipment.

Image courtesy of Gabriel Saunders

The Brooklyn Tower features a full-block residential lobby designed by Krista Ninivaggi of Woods Bagot and SHoP Architects. There are two distinct residential entrances, from Fleet Street and the Flatbush Avenue Extension, that feature a soft cream and hexagonal flooring design inspired by the original patterns found in the Dimes Savings Bank of Brooklyn.

Image courtesy of Adrian Gaut

Developed by JDS Development and designed by SHoP Architects, the Brooklyn Tower is the borough’s first supertall skyscraper, reaching a height of more than 1,000 feet. Situated in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the building contains roughly 400 residences for leasing, with 30 designated as affordable housing more middle-income New Yorkers.

Sales launched for condo units at the building in March 2022. According to CityRealty, current availabilities start at $965,000 for a studio and go up to $6,200,000 for a four-bedroom penthouse. The for-sale units start on the 53rd floor of the tower.

Last month, the Brooklyn Tower opened a housing lottery for 120 middle-income apartments, with rent starting at $2,630/month for studios and at $3,782/month for three bedrooms. Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the apartments through May 30.

Editor’s note: The original version of this article had incorrectly stated the starting rents and has since been updated with the correct pricing.

RELATED:

• Brooklyn’s tallest tower launches lottery for 120 middle-income apartments, from $2,630/month
• The Brooklyn Tower’s striking neo-Deco crown is complete
• Sales launch at Brooklyn’s first supertall, condos priced from $875K

Photo courtesy of Evan Joseph

A housing lottery opened this week for 89 mixed-income units at a new residential development in Brooklyn. Located at 540 Fulton Street, The Paxton offers residents luxury rental units and modern amenities in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $50,812 annually for a single person and $215,150 for a household of seven, can apply for the units, priced from $1,407/month studios to $3,600/month three bedrooms.

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development
Photo courtesy of Evan Joseph

Developed by Jenel Management and designed by Marvel Architects, the 43-story mixed-use skyscraper includes 327 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, and eight floors of office space. Residences feature state-of-the-art appliances, including dishwashers and in-unit laundry, as well as high-end finishes throughout.

Amenities at the Paxton include a live-in super, a gym room, a yoga-dance studio, a media room, an indoor lounge with a fireplace, kitchenette and dining areas, a business center, bike storage, package lockers, and a rooftop terrace with BBQ grills and a sundeck.

Leasing for market-rate units launched at the building earlier this year, with current availabilities priced from a $3,245/month studio to a $5,547/month two-bedroom.

The building will also contain The Paxton Offices, a 137,000-square-foot office space with an address of 532 Fulton Street, according to CityRealty. The office floors will measure roughly 9,700 to 13,400 square feet, with 16 to 20-foot ceilings, communal terraces, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Paxton is situated in prime Downtown Brooklyn, a bustling commercial and residential neighborhood home to several attractions, including the Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Fort Greene Park, the Atlantic Terminal Mall, and more. Nearby public transit options include the B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, and 4 subway lines, as well as multiple bus lines.

Plans for The Paxton were first revealed in May 2017, as CityRealty reported. The new tower replaced a two-story ornate 1891 Romanesque-Revival building that was home to a variety of small retailers over the years. Its original tenant was the first Downtown Brooklyn location for F.W. Woolworth’s “five-and-dime store.” The original structure was demolished in December 2015, as 6sqft previously reported.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the units until July 12, 2023. Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to residents of Brooklyn Community District 2. Complete details on how to apply are available here. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

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Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

New York City is investing over $40 million in street safety improvements and new public spaces in Downtown Brooklyn. On Thursday Mayor Eric Adams said the investment will be put towards transformative improvements along Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue, with plans for improved pedestrian space, bus service, new public art, and safety upgrades to the streetscape.

“Downtown Brooklyn is our most populous borough’s largest economic hub. And today, we are bringing it into the future with more than $40 million for green space, efficient transportation, and safe streets that hard-working New Yorkers deserve,” Adams said.

“This is how we reimagine our city, reinvigorate our neighborhoods, and revitalize our business districts: with more room to walk, to bike, and to enjoy retail and restaurants safely.”

As part of the improvements to Fulton Street, NYC Parks will add new street trees, improve existing tree pits, and add seating. These upgrades are meant to enhance the streetscape and make it a more vibrant, lively area, ultimately boosting Fulton Street’s commercial activity. The $8 million project is happening in addition to ongoing private projects already working to improve the neighborhood.

DOT is currently working on a design for its substantial, $32 million project to expand pedestrian space and improve traffic safety at five different intersections on Flatbush Avenue between Livingston Street and Pacific Street. As part of the project, the city will widen sidewalks using concrete extensions and shorten the distance to cross streets. New street furniture and trees will be added to make it more visually appealing.

The project also includes the construction of a raised shared street on the corner of Ashland Place and Hanson Place along the front of Williamsburg Savings Bank to create a “pedestrian-focused node.” Shared streets are designed for slow travel speeds where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists share the right of way.

To further enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, DOT will install protected bike lanes and other safety improvements on Ashland Place and Navy Street between Hanson Place and Flushing Avenue, and a slower street on Hanson Place between St. Felix Street and Ashland Place, starting later this year.

To improve bus service in Downtown Brooklyn, DOT will create two-way, dedicated bus-only lanes along Livingston Street between Flatbush Avenue and Boerum Place with physical barriers and pedestrian islands to board buses. These improvements will make bus rides faster and more reliable for roughly 50,000 daily commuters.

Other improvements that are part of the project include the reconfiguration of the parking lot at Fleet Place and Willoughby Street which will make way for a new, large pedestrian space that will feature asphalt art and shorten the crosswalk distance by 75 percent.

These improvements are a continuation of Mayor Adams’ effort to improve public spaces across the five boroughs, for which he invested $375 million in his “Working People’s Agenda.”

This year, the Adams administration has reopened a section of the famed skateboarding mecca known as “The Arches” under the Brooklyn Bridge. The project also builds upon previous DOT projects to redesign the streets of Downtown Brooklyn to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation, as well as improve traffic safety.

“Downtown Brooklyn has become a thriving mixed-use neighborhood, and these improvements will further enhance the downtown experience for shoppers, office workers, and residents alike,” Regina Myer, president of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, said. “With the beautified, safer streets afforded by this plan, we solidify Downtown Brooklyn as a nationwide leader in creating a people-first downtown.”

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