THE SECOND HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT ASCENDS IN BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

BY MATT SCANLON

Building progress in and near Brooklyn Bridge Park has not been without controversy. Since 2002, when the public/private project was agreed upon in a handshake between city and state, its concept has been a novel one: the 1.3 mile, 85 acre greenspace’s expenses needed to be paid through private development within the park itself, including new residential buildings. Plans for such builds have been publicly available, but their completion progress inevitably raises temperatures among preservationists and/or those for whom lofty structures on one of the nation’s most iconic waterfronts were merely an abstraction until steel began to rise. We reported a number of times on the completion of the 10 story Pierhouse, for example, and whether it violated a 2005 height cap agreement of 100 feet, obscuring Brooklyn Heights viewsheds of the East River and Manhattan (an associated lawsuit, led by Save the View Now, was dismissed late last year).

The 315 foot high Quay Tower and its 125 large luxury condominiums, at the narrow southern entrance to the park, was also subject to a suit, by the Brooklyn Heights Association, alleging that it had exceeded its permissible number of units. That legal effort also failed.

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Still, efforts were made to place Quay Tower developed by RAL Companies and Oliver’s Realty Group, in partnership with Vanke US as delicately and deftly as possible, in part through the use of regionally appropriate materials. Scheduled for completion next year, the 28 story building’s façade concept, as described by project architectural firm ODA New York, “stems from the history of the neighbourhood, merging its past as a hub of manufacturing to a now transformed prime residential area. The two languages on the façade represent the industrial past by the use of Dumbo’s characteristic materials and the residential present through the insertion of outdoor spaces to the overall volume. The juxtaposition of traditional materials and residential volumetry signifies the historical transition of this area.”

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Interiors, conceived by LA and San Franscico based Marmol Radziner, in counterpoint to the industrial hued tone of the exterior, “are vibrant and warm,” reads a project statement. “Finished with a material palette of mixed woods, earthy metals, and natural stones, each space reflects an authentic modern lifestyle.”

Condominium prices start at just over $2 million for the two bedroom, two bath unit 11E, with southern exposure views to the Heights and the harbor. The often larger Manhattan facing residences offer a number of private elevator landings and large master baths. Three bedroom, three bath units begin at $3.7 million. At time of press, there was one four bedroom, three and a half bath condo available for $5.7 million, and one five bed room, five and a half bath unit for $7.9 million. Common amenities include: a 2,500 square foot fitness center with Technogym equipment, Peloton bikes, a separate stretching room, and a boxing corner; a Manhattan facing Sunset Lounge; a 1,500 square foot children’s room with an adjacent kitchenette; private bike storage; a music room; a 24 hour concierge; and the Sky Cabana rooftop terrace, featuring barbecues, an entertainment area, and southern views of the Statue of Liberty and beyond.

Northwell B22 SPREAD

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Wood, stone, and metal are the interior design touchstones from Marmol Radziner. Custom kitchens include Gaggenau appliance packages and custom designed hardware, plus white oak cabinetry and white Quartzite countertops, backsplashes, and hood surrounds. In master baths, Travertine marble slabs (imported from Italy) cover walls and radiant heated floors, while custom oak vanities with specialty night lighting are accentuated by polished nickel medicine cabinets.

Quay Tower
Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sales Gallery, 149 Bridge Park Drive / 718.596.5050 /
quaytowerbk.com