Williamsburg's Transformation Nearly Complete

Moon River Chattel closed Monday, and today the Wall Street Journal has a story saying that Williamsburg is in the middle of the same transition as SoHo decades ago, “going from bohemian wonderland to high-end mall encased in gloss.”

The story ticks off some recent and forthcoming arrivals: Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters, J.Crew, Dunkin’ Donuts, the Level Hotel. There’s nothing here readers haven’t heard before but having it all summed up on the heels of Moon River Chattel closing feels a little sad.

The new residents are richer and younger than their predecessors: “on average 25 to 35 years old with per capita income of $108,000 a year,” according to real estate firm SCG Retail quoted by the Journal. “It fits the profile of the Upper West Side, Chelsea and the East Village,” said an SCG agent. 

The story tries to find consensus on the “next” Williamsburg but fails. (The Catskills and Queens are among the contenders.) Perhaps it’s just as well. Last year the Wythe Hotel’s Andrew Tarlow said his next venture might be dairy farming upstate. Wonder how that’s coming along.

Like Earlier Hot Spots, Williamsburg Adds Gloss [WSJ]