Wallabout
May 1, 2008
Development Watch: Grand Plans on Grand Avenue
Despite the economic downturn and news of stalled or abandoned projects, there's still tons of residential construction happening all over Brooklyn. Assuming people actually move into all these new apartments (unlike dozens of other cities filled with near-vacant or unfinished projects), within a few years new residential enclaves will sprout up in places where people used to only work. For example, on one industrial block of Grand Avenue, snuggled between the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Myrtle Avenue, we counted five new projects totaling 119 apartments. On one side, two Scarano projects would add 8 units each; a conversion called The Retro Loft is almost done with 28 units; and a 35-unit project is planned, although only a fence stands at the site. On the other side is 74 Grand Avenue, which is 40 units. Despite its proximity to the much-maligned expressway, the block is actually quite pleasant, with the steady hum of industry to one direction (some find that sound soothing) and the residential neighborhood at the other end. All the basic food groups are conveniently within walking distance—Pizza, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Sushi, Mediterranean, Diner and Bodega—but the only nearby train is the... G. Fortunately the expressway is close! How do you think this block will fare?
Development Watch: 74 Grand Avenue [Brownstoner]
April 17, 2008
Streetlevel: Il Porto Nearing Launch
Il Porto, which promises to be an oasis in the culinary desert that is Wallabout, is moving steadily toward it May launch. When we passed by this week, contractors were hard at work installing the two storefront window areas at 37 Washington Avenue. Contrary to what we wrote first time around, the brick oven pizza restaurant will not be run by the same folks who ran the Brooklyn's Best Pizza in this location in recent years. It's a new crew. Given that our new office we're about to move into is just a couple of blocks from here, we're thrilled.
Streetlevel: Brick Oven Pizza for Wallabout [Brownstoner]
March 10, 2008
Closing Bell: Repaving That Will Have to Be Repaved
Biking past the construction work on Flushing Avenue last week, it occurred to us that the sidewalk that was being rebuilt was not being widened to accommodate the Brooklyn Greenway that is planned to run around the outside of the Navy Yard. Seems kinda silly. GMAP
March 7, 2008
Brig Site: A Peek at What's on the Drawing Board
It's been crickets since the city announced the ambitious redevelopment of the Brig site in Wallabout last April, and the project is still being designed, according to representatives from HPD and Dunn Development. Nevertheless, we didn't want to miss the opportunity to showcase these fascinating renderings for the site—dubbed Navy Green—that are on Architecture in Formation's website (other architects on the job are FXFowle and Curtis + Ginsberg). Dunn is partnering with L&M Equity on the 434-unit, mostly affordable build, which will also have commercial and open space. "The development team will meet with Brig community task force in the next few months," says HPD spokesperson Neill Coleman, and construction's likely to start in '09. Bring it.
BREAKING: 434 Units Announced for Former Brig Site [Brownstoner]