$30M Adaptive Reuse Project in Crown Heights Completed

NEW YORK CITY—The $30-million adaptive reuse project at 1000 Dean St. in Crown Heights, Brooklyn by Brownstoner Media, BFC Partners and the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group is now complete.

The two-year gut renovation project, designed by Selldorf Architects, involved the conversion of the former 150,000-square-foot Studebaker service station into what the owners tout as an office hub or incubator for business innovation.

The design of the building restored the 1920s façade and many of the original building details, while introducing new architectural elements such as two new light wells in the center of the building. Among the many improvements include a completely new interior, built with state-of-the-art steel, concrete, and masonry systems, constructed within the existing shell to support the new building functions. New, high-efficiency mechanical and lighting systems are part of numerous green building features at the property.

The building's upper three floors will be utilized as creative office space, with units as small as 500 square feet and flexible lease terms varying from one to five years, building officials state. The property's office space is currently 40% leased to tenants that include Brooklyn Community Foundation, NC2 Architecture, and Jack's Gourmet Kosher. Christopher Havens of aptsandlofts.com, the exclusive leasing agent for 1000 Dean St., a 30,000-square-foot space that was originally slated for food incubator 3rd Ward is currently available for lease, as well as an 8,000-square-foot former loading dock ideal for a theater or a food production user.

The $30-million project received significant funding from the New Markets Tax Credit program. Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, Waveland Ventures and United Fund Advisors provided $25 million in tax credits for the venture.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier this week for the project that was attended by Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, New York City Economic Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Zac Smith, Councilwoman Laurie A. Cumbo, and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura.

“We've worked to transform Crown Heights into a revitalized hub for new businesses, the arts and culture,” says Don Capoccia, a partner with Joseph Ferrara and Brandon Baron at BFC Partners, 1000 Dean's developer, along with Butler. “Now, with the establishment of this new business incubator at 1000 Dean, we will witness the emergence of creative and co-working companies in the area, which will further our city's new innovative economy and continue to build on Brooklyn's success.”