After being the source of much friction between the Boymelgreen and Walentas camps, the Nova Clutch building at 39 Front Street in Dumbo was finally sold by the former to the latter in December for $8.75 million. The acquisition of the 1848 building, which was a pasta factory for the first hundred years of its life, gave Two Trees control over the half a block bounded by Water, Front and Dock Streets; this swath also includes 38 Water Street, the site of St. Ann’s Warehouse, where Two Trees tried to get approval for a 16-story tower back in 2004 before withdrawing the application in the face of public opposition. There were rumors a couple of weeks ago that the company was gearing up to try again to get city approval a tower on the site. There are work permits up at the Nova Clutch now, but just for a sidewalk shed while “remedial repairs” are done on the structure. Given that 39 Front and 38 Water connect with each other through the block (see map on the jump), is it possible that the rumored tower proposal will be for both properties? On a related note, the roof of the Nova Clutch building, as visible from the pedestrian path on the Brooklyn Bridge (photo on the jump), has been stripped down to its wooden base. It’s not as apparent from the photo, but it looks quite beautiful in person.
Dumbo Says Buh Bye to Nova Clutch? [BH Blog]
Nova Clutch building at 39 Front Street [Dumbo NYC] GMAP P*Shark DOB