Rechnitz Locks up Gowanus Batcave

The reclusive multimillionaire and cycling enthusiast who recently withdrew his offer to fund a velodrome in Brooklyn Bridge Park has turned his attention to another Brooklyn project, rehabbing an abandoned industrial building in Gowanus and transforming it into an arts center with studios and exhibition space. Ironically but not surprisingly, since Joshua Rechnitz purchased the building in September for $7 million, known as the Batcave, he shut down the illegal parties and arts activities that have been going on there for years, reported Gothamist. “Whatever the Batcave project ends up being, it’s gonna be fucking cool,” said likely collaborator and Gowanus Ballroom owner Josh Young, who helped build a staircase for Rechnitz’s house out of whalebones and “melted piano guts.” Above, a 2006 shot of the interior of the building, which is located on 3rd Avenue near Carroll Street.
Party’s Over at Gowanus Batcave [Gothamist]
Photo by Jake Dobkin for Gothamist