Amazon Photo Studio Build-Out Under Way at 35 Kent

Last November, word got out that online retailing behemoth Amazon was renting a 40,000-square-foot warehouse on Kent Avenue in Williamsburg to create a facility for photographing the zillions of products it sells on its website. At the time, a spokesperson for the company did have this to say about the location: “We think of it as joining an emerging neighborhood that’s known for its creative talent and community. It’s going to be a mecca — we hope — for creative talent.” The exact location was not disclosed, but it won’t come as any surprise to anyone who’s ridden a bike up Kent recently and taken note of the construction project under way between North 11th and North 12th Streets to learn that the address for the project is 35 Kent Avenue. According to the building permits, the renovation is a “Type One application for change in use and enlargement from glass manufacturing to photo studio and offices.” The project cost estimate on the application is for $4.16 million, so it’s safe to assume the actual cost will probably be north of $5 million. GMAP