A group of artists are transforming a large parking garage on Dean Street between Grand and Classon into a performance space that will feature a restaurant, bar, art gallery and a large backyard, as DNAinfo was the first to report. Their venture, Global Square, will host concerts, dance performances, movie nights and art shows at 893-897 Dean Street, said managing director Charles McMickens. McMickens, who was the driving force behind The General Greene, Heritage Wines and Fort Grace Local, presented the group’s plan to Community Board Eight’s liquor review committee on Monday night.

The 7,500-square-foot space will include bleacher-style seating that can be easily folded away, a smaller gallery that could host art shows and intimate dance performances, and indoor seating for 100 to 110 people. The backyard has standing room for up to 300 people. The restaurant plans to serve pizza baked in ovens bought from the now-shuttered Pulino’s on Bowery and Houston.

McMickens and the other organizers, including artists Hassan Christopher, Šara Stranovsky, Kyla Ernst-Alper and Sydney Freggiaro, said they hope to make the space more than a typical concert venue, with space where artists can collaborate, rehearse and create a community.

The community board raised several concerns about Global Square’s plans, including parking, noise and crowds. McMickens, who hasn’t yet submitted a liquor application, emphasized his desire to work with the community board throughout the liquor license process. Global Square hopes to open this September and operate from 3 pm to 2 am seven days a week.

Artists Plan to Convert Crown Heights Parking Garage Into Concert Venue [DNAinfo] GMAP
Image via Global Square


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. I suppose this should be looked on as an exciting venture, but right now there seems to be a proliferation of these spaces opening up or existing all over Brooklyn. My question: How many are needed. And isn’t it somewhat baffling that at a time when high rentals in the borough seem to be threatening the existence of artists, spaces around the city expand for them to perform in. Go figure….

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