Chetrit Plans ‘State-of-the-Art’ Warehouse to Replace Red Hook’s Historic Bowne Storehouse

The fate of Red Hook’s historic S.W. Bowne Grain Storehouse has reportedly been decided.

The owners of the property—which includes members of the Chetrit, Nakash and Gindi real estate families—are planning a “state-of-the-art warehouse with office and parking” on the site, located at 595 Smith Street, according to The Real Deal.

Plans for the project have yet to be filed.

The demise of the historic warehouse has been dramatic. Before its demolition began, locals had been trying to landmark the large red-brick building for years. After local City Council Member Carlos Menchaca met with locals to talk about landmarking it and notified the owner, Chetrit, the building burned in a fire the next day. The city said the fire was set intentionally.

The property has a history of complaints of poor maintenance, illegal dumping and dangerous conditions. Built in 1886, the unprotected brick warehouse was a remnant from a time when the warehouses of Red Hook and Gowanus were at the center of a thriving shipping industry that brought in, stored and shipped goods all over the world. Only part of a wall still stands. The property is part of a Gowanus Historic District that was declared eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, but not yet listed.

The news comes at a time when the city is moving to rezone nearby Gowanus, which officially launches on January 19.

Related Stories

• Owner Demolishes Red Hook’s Historic Bowne Warehouse After Arson Fire (Photos)
• Is Red Hook’s Historic S.W. Bowne Grain Storehouse Being Demolished Without a Permit?
• After Arson, DOB Issues Demo Permit for Red Hook’s Historic Bowne Storehouse

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