Williamsburg

The past few years have seen as much change as progress in the rise of the three million-square-foot Domino Sugar Factory mega-development in Williamsburg; Two Trees broke ground on the first tower in the Domino Sugar Refinery Master Plan last spring, and the lottery opened for 104 affordable units at the SHoP Architects-designed building, the 16-story 325 Kent Avenue. Last October we saw the first set of renderings by architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle for the refinery building that will house Two Trees' new 380,000-square-foot office space at the massive new complex; the corresponding plans had been approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2014. Now, Justin Davidson writes in New York Magazine that a new round of designs by Vishaan Chakrabarti's Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) have been revealed.
See the new designs

September 19, 2017

Williamsburg townhouse gets a ‘mullet’ reno with business in front and a party out back

Yes, you heard that right--the architects characterized this East Williamsburg townhouse renovation as having "a mullet strategy" of a "business/historically correct approach in the front and a party/modern attitude toward the back." The architects, BFDO, were tasked with restoring the facade of a historic wood frame house, while also modernizing and expanding it. The result? A pleasing blend of older historic details with a brightness and openness not often on display in a Brooklyn townhouse.
Check it out

September 13, 2017

REVEALED: 27-story tower at Lincoln Savings Bank site will be tallest in East Williamsburg

The first renderings for the mixed-use rental development planned for 525-545 Broadway in Brooklyn’s East Williamsburg neighborhood were released this week, showing a creative reimagining of the 20th century Lincoln Savings Bank. As CityRealty learned, the project’s developers Blesso Properties and Bravo Builders, plan on building a 27-story, 298-foot tall building with offices and retail on the lower floors and 218 rental properties above it. The plan also calls for 37,000 square-feet of landscaped space, a food hall, nightlife venue and a wellness center.
See the renderings

New Developments

August 25, 2017

18-foot, concrete beveled ceilings top this Williamsburg apartment renting for $6,995/month

This Williamsburg apartment takes full advantage of its soaring, 18-foot ceilings lined with concrete beams. The lofty living room features floor-to-ceiling, built-in bookshelves that require a ladder to fully access, four massive casement windows, and a loft with a glass wall that overlooks the soaring space. Located at the Esquire Lofts at 330 Wythe Avenue—a former shoe polish factory—this apartment spans 1,450 square feet and includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The unit hit the market last month asking $7,500 a month, but its owners just gave it a small price cut, bringing the monthly rent to $6,995.
Go take a look

Construction Update: SHoP’s first Domino Sugar Factory building approaches completion

Image by CityRealty

August 23, 2017

Construction Update: SHoP’s first Domino Sugar Factory building approaches completion

By Diane Pham

Just over one year ago, 6sqft reported on the initial climb of 325 Kent Avenue, the first tower of the SHoP-designed Domino Sugar Refinery master plan slated for the Williamsburg waterfront. Now, CityRealty shares that the building is nearly finished with its distinct, upside-down U-formation standing tall. When complete, the 189-foot, 400,000-square-foot building will be the second largest residential structure in the neighborhood (just after 2 North 6th Street), fronted by a spectacular 11-acre park designed by James Corner Field Operations that will open next summer.
see more photos

August 20, 2017

$4,500/month Williamsburg loft is lined with a 13-foot, raw plank ceiling

You have every reason to look up at this Williamsburg apartment, renting for $4,500 a month in the condo building known as the Smith Gray. The blue cast iron facade of the building is striking, and this loft manages to also embody some of that industrial charm. The 13-foot ceiling is lined with raw plank wood, offset by iron beams and a chic ceiling fan. Exposed brick lines many of the walls, with wood flooring that mirrors the ceiling. Such a material-rich apartment deserves good interior design, which the owners provided with a nice selection of modern furniture.
Time for an interior tour

Distinctive Homes

August 10, 2017

Refreshingly genuine Williamsburg artists’ loft asks $6,800 a month

We're guessing the words "genuine" and "Williamsburg" are spending less and less time together these days, but if you look diligently, you can find the odd authenticity–a big, pretty space that's actually live/work friendly and isn't a shiny, overpriced condo calling itself a loft. This one-bedroom-plus-office apartment at 119 North 11th Street looks to be just that. Occupying the third floor of a former paint factory taken over by artists over 30 years ago, it's approved for mixed use, allowing live/work opportunities. Seeking a rental tenant for $6,800 per month, the space has many of the comforts of those shiny new buildings–central air, a washer/dryer, a roof deck with great views–without the shiny new.
Take a look around

Distinctive Homes

Eight affordable units up for grabs in trendy South Williamsburg, two-bedrooms from $1,440

Image via Google Street View

August 4, 2017

Eight affordable units up for grabs in trendy South Williamsburg, two-bedrooms from $1,440

By Diane Pham

Starting August 7, qualifying applicants can begin applying for eight newly renovated units at 383 Hewes Street, a six-story, 23-unit brick residence constructed in 1927. The building is located in South Williamsburg along a quiet residential block, which like the rest of the neighborhood, is seeing an increasing number of new developments appear. 383 was recently redeveloped via Los Sures, a community-based, non-profit focused on rehabilitating the south side of Williamsburg for low-income families and individuals. Of the available affordable units, two- and three-bedrooms will be priced between $1,440-$2,198 and $1,664-$2,538 respectively, adjusted for household income.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

August 2, 2017

A jungle-like loft near the Williamsburg waterfront asks $4,500 a month

This apartment may not have an outdoor space, but it's boasting the next best thing. That would be tons and tons of greenery tucked into every corner of the apartment--a loft with more jungle-like vibes than industrial ones. It's located in a former warehouse at 63 North 3rd Street, just off the North Williamsburg waterfront. It's got the regular loft aesthetic: high ceilings, big windows, exposed pipes, and one wide open space, but it's all the interior landscaping that really makes the space unique.
You'll find plants everywhere

Distinctive Homes

July 21, 2017

In Williamsburg, an 1800s brick townhouse built for dockworkers asks $2M

This Williamsburg property comes from a row of townhomes along North 9th Street originally built in the 1870s for dockworkers. Those days are long gone, and the three-bedroom home is now asking $1.995 million. The interior, admittedly, isn't stunning--as the listing says, you'll need to "bring your architect and/or designer to realize this property's full potential." But the house does come with a prime 'burg location, air rights to build an addition, and a wonderfully deep, lush backyard garden.
You have to see this green space

Distinctive Homes

My 1150sqft: Tour Hungarian tattoo artist Balazs Bercsenyi’s peaceful Williamsburg apartment

6sqft’s ongoing series “My sqft” checks out the homes of New Yorkers across all the boroughs. Our latest interior adventure brings us to the Williamsburg apartment of Bang Bang tattoo artist Balazs Bercsenyi. Want to see your home featured here? Get in touch!

July 18, 2017

My 1150sqft: Tour Hungarian tattoo artist Balazs Bercsenyi’s peaceful Williamsburg apartment

By Diane Pham

Despite being one of the most in-demand tattoo artists working today, if you were to have sought out Balazs Bercsenyi several years ago, you would have found him washing dishes in a London restaurant. The native Hungarian, who now boasts more than 250,000 Instagram followers and a client roster that includes numerous bold-faced names, was "discovered" when another tattoo artist encountered him drawing the intricate, fine line designs that he today adorns to the bodies of a select few. With a simple "You should become a tattoo artist!" uttered by his newfound friend, Balazs quickly found himself on a trajectory that would propel him to the top of his industry and into a coveted position at the renowned Bang Bang studio in Little Italy. Now, with a year-and-a-half of NYC living under his belt, Balazs is making a home in Williamsburg. Ahead, he gives 6sqft a tour of his 1,150-square-foot Brooklyn apartment where bohemian vibes and his penchant for organic forms echo throughout.
tour Balazs' home

Live in Williamsburg’s trendiest corner starting at $722/month

Image via Smoragasburg

July 7, 2017

Live in Williamsburg’s trendiest corner starting at $722/month

Image via Smoragasburg Walk a block to sunbathe in McCarren Park; two blocks to play a game at Brooklyn Bowl; three blocks to schmooze at the trendy hotel trifecta of the Wythe, Williamsburg Hotel, and William Vale; and four blocks to hit up Smorgasburg at East River State Park. Normally a location like this would cost you a pretty penny, but as of today, New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for 10 affordable units at 174 North 11th Street. The apartments range from $722/month studios to $900/month two-bedrooms, and building amenities include a common roof terrace, fitness center, parking, bike storage, and a coin-operated laundry room.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

July 3, 2017

Affordable housing lottery opens for 14 East Williamsburg units, starting at $589/month

Back in early 2016, 6sqft shared a new housing lottery for three Williamsburg buildings, one of which was 37 Ten Eyck Street in East Williamsburg between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street. The vacant lots were purchased in 2014, along with a fourth site at 33 Ten Eyck Street, by the Housing Development Corporation to build 100 percent affordable buildings. That final building is now complete and its 14 units are available to those earning 40 or 60 percent of the area media income. They range from $589/month one-bedrooms to $1,121/month two-bedrooms, and the building offers an elevator, outdoor area, intercom system, bicycle storage, and laundry facilities.
All the details here

Affordable Housing

June 30, 2017

$3,250/month Williamsburg apartment comes furnished with chic, tropical decor

This Williamsburg condo at 259 Ainslie Street isn't massive at 652 square feet, but it's furnished and full of chic, creative decor--from the sunny bedroom to a living room packed with patterned pillows, rugs and greenery. There's a little outdoor space, too, with a private balcony off the living room. If you're digging the zen, tropical aesthetic, this is up for rent at $3,250 a month.
Tour the space

Distinctive Homes

June 28, 2017

Map: Where to watch the Macy’s fireworks this July 4th

Here's a handy guide outlining some prime spots for experiencing Macy's Fourth of July live fireworks extravaganza this Tuesday evening; in addition, the folks that put on the show have provided a helpful interactive neighborhood finder so you're well situated when things go boom. Take a fun quiz here, then find out the best spots to watch from. Or just check out some prime spots here.
More info this way

June 27, 2017

Young Projects upended the traditional Brooklyn townhouse design for this Williamsburg renovation

You wouldn't guess it from first glance, but this property on the corner of Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg was originally a modest 1900s brick townhouse. Architecture and design firm Young Projects was tasked with modernizing and expanding the existing structure, for which they took a bold approach that they call "a radical break from Brooklyn’s traditional townhouse typology." The massive rear addition is clad in perforated, corrugated zinc, "subtly playing off the scale, proportion, fenestration and texture of the existing townhouse." The interior is just as dramatic, with a massive, curving staircase that wraps around a double height living room.
You have to take a look inside

The MTA considers a ‘car-free busway’ as L-train alternative

L train via Wiki Commons

June 7, 2017

The MTA considers a ‘car-free busway’ as L-train alternative

L train via Wiki Commons To mitigate the nightmare commuters will face during the 15-month L-train shutdown, the MTA and the Department of Transportation presented four possible alternatives that would make a portion of 14th Street a car-free busway. Streetsblog NYC reported that during a Manhattan Community Board 6 meeting on Monday, the agencies laid out the following options: a standard Select Bus Service (SBS) along 14th Street, enhanced SBS that includes turn and curb restrictions, a car-free busway in the middle lanes along 14th and a river-to-river car-free busway. Agency officials predict between 75 and 85 percent of the daily 275,000 daily L riders will use other subway lines, with bus service possibly absorbing between 5-15 percent of displaced trips.
Find out more

Brooklyn developer Zproekt plans a craggy condo for East Williamsburg

Renderings created by the Vyater Group

June 6, 2017

Brooklyn developer Zproekt plans a craggy condo for East Williamsburg

Renderings created by the Vyater Group Brooklyn real estate developers RYBAK and BK have laid out their collaborative plan for a new luxury condominium in East Williamsburg at 88 Withers Street. The building, when officially approved, will be called Element88 and will capture the neighborhood’s creative and eclectic residents. As CityRealty learned, renderings show a sculpted pile of floors, offset from one another. In addition to its 33 new residences, the building will also provide workspaces in its cellar that can be used for home offices, workshops, wine cellars or art studios.
See the electic renderings

REVEALED: 23-story tower at South Williamsburg’s Dime Savings Bank site

Rendering of The Dime at 209 Havemeyer Street; rendering via Fogarty Finger Architects

May 31, 2017

REVEALED: 23-story tower at South Williamsburg’s Dime Savings Bank site

We know a little bit more of what to expect at one of Williamsburg's most important developments: The south 'burg site at 209 Havemeyer Street between South Fifth and Sixth Streets at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, anchored by the Neoclassical-style Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh building, will be getting a 23-story mixed-use tower with retail, office and residential space, CityRealty.com reports. The 109-year-old historic bank building will be preserved and restored, and will be integrated into the project at its podium according to details published by the developers. The 340,000 square-foot project will be known as the “the Dime.”
Find out more

Ahead of L train shutdown, developers flock to properties along G, J, M and Z lines

G Train at Court Square via Wikipedia

May 26, 2017

Ahead of L train shutdown, developers flock to properties along G, J, M and Z lines

In response to the looming 15th-month L train shutdown, which will affect its nearly 225,000 daily riders beginning April 2019, real estate developers have started looking at Williamsburg’s hip and slightly cheaper neighbors, Greenpoint and South Williamsburg. Both areas sit nearby the G, J, M and Z trains, and in the past have offered a variety of housing options at cheaper prices. According to the New York Times, as developers begin their plunge into Greenpoint, sites along these train lines have become pricier and more difficult to lock down.
Find out more

May 26, 2017

This little renovated slice of Williamsburg could be yours for $360K

It's rare to see a habitable—much less chic and renovated—apartment in most of Williamsburg for anything even close to the $360,000 this cozy co-op is going for. There's a reason, of course; this "junior-one" at 648 Grand Street is an HDFC co-op, though the income cap isn't mentioned in the listing yet. For a qualified buyer the bright, cozy space offers a home that's easy on the eyes as well as the wallet.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

3 chances to live in prime East Williamsburg, from $958/month

Renderings via RJ Capital Holdings

May 24, 2017

3 chances to live in prime East Williamsburg, from $958/month

Three units in East Williamsburg reserved for those earning 60 percent of the area median income have come online through the city's affordable housing lottery. Two $958/month studios and one $1,096/month one-bedroom are available at 387 Manhattan Avenue, a new six-story mixed-use development half a block east of the BQE, three blocks from McCarren Park, and right near all the local hot spots like the Llama Inn, Museum of Food and Drink, Pete's Candy Store, and Union Pool.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

May 23, 2017

$2.3M Williamsburg triplex is clad in cedar from NYC’s iconic water towers

This expansive Williamsburg triplex was once a part of the flagship retail space for a children's clothing manufacturer--when the cast iron building was constructed in the 1880s, the first floor held retail while the sewing machines, shears and bosses occupied the upper floors. Now the building, located at 138 Broadway, is known as the Smith Gray condominium, and this apartment is asking $2.3 million. Over 2,300 square feet, you'll spot tin ceilings, Corinthian columns and exposed structural brick. While those are pretty typical loft details, this apartment boasts one of the more unique lofts in Brooklyn. It's clad with reclaimed cedar from New York's iconic wooden water towers, which results in a cozy loft enclosure that can be opened via specially-designed casement windows.
See more of the apartment

Distinctive Homes

White Castle-replacing Williamsburg rental launches lotto, affordable units from $867/month

371 Humboldt Street via A&D Engineering

May 19, 2017

White Castle-replacing Williamsburg rental launches lotto, affordable units from $867/month

Back in late 2014, East Williamsburg's much-loved White Castle outpost shuttered suddenly after the site sold the year before to an investment group for $6.72 million. Burgeoning Brooklyn developer Adam America then stepped in to create, in his own words, "the next hottest development in the area" thanks to its location "just minutes away from an endless amount of cool hangouts." Architects Issac & Stern designed his vision as a six-story brick and metal rental that makes a nod to the area's industrial past. Now that the building at 781 Metropolitan Avenue is nearing completion, twenty percent of its 58 units have come online through the city's affordable housing lottery. These 16 units are reserved for those earning 60 percent of the area median income and range from $867/month studios to $1,123/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

May 4, 2017

Williamsburg townhouse with a colorful Scandi-funk interior asks $3.75M

According to records, half of a certain early-aughts Danish dance-pop duo is selling this Scandi-funk-a-licious modern masterpiece of a 19th-century townhouse at 267 Berry Street, right in the middle of prime Williamsburg near the shores of the East River. The four-story, single-family brick townhouse spans 3,300 not-at-all-square feet and comes with some cool details like an open sunroom leading to a lovely roof deck, colorful minimalist kitchen, music room and media room, and master suite that spans an entire top floor. Even better, lots of original details have been preserved and invited to the party, which will set you back $3.75 million.
Move your feet this way for more

Distinctive Homes

April 28, 2017

Shop and nosh your way through 20 of NYC’s best flea and food markets