The shy, reclusive, but rich Joshua Rechnitz is likely to have a lasting impact on Brooklyn as he pursues his twin passions for art and cycling. Rechnitz declined to be interviewed by The New York Times for a profile of him and his various business and philanthropic endeavors, but two biggies could transform Brooklyn: His controversial $40 million donation for a velodrome for fixed-gear bike racing and fieldhouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park and his plans to turn an empty warehouse in Gowanus into artists’ studios. The Powerhouse Environmental Arts Foundation, a nonprofit backed by Rechnitz, bought the vacant industrial building on 3rd Avenue near Carroll Street for $7 million in September. Formerly a powerhouse for the MTA now known as the Batcave, it will house 50 or 60 artists’ studios as well as exhibition space.
The Mysterious Mr. Rechnitz [NY Times]
Bike Philanthropist Will Bring Arts to Gowanus [Brooklyn Paper]
Some Heights Residents Question Velodrome for BB Park [Brownstoner]
Photo by NYC Fieldhouse via Brooklyn Paper


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