40 New Developments Reshaping the Downtown Brooklyn Skyline

40 New Developments Reshaping the Downtown Brooklyn Skyline
Downtown Brooklyn touts Manhattan skyline views, but it's shaping up quite a skyline of its own
Almost exactly sixteen years to the day have passed since Downtown Brooklyn was rezoned for greater residential development, and the once-industrial area has given way to an increasingly coveted residential one. Between its easy access to Manhattan, close proximity to popular Brooklyn neighborhoods, and increased retail, dining, and entertainment opportunities, it would seem everyone - developers, designers, residents - wants to be a part of it.

The building boom shows no sign of slowing down. If anything, the real estate community is literally thinking bigger so as to keep up with increased office, educational, and retail demand that comes with residential. Some buildings are dramatic new additions to the skyline, others are still but a twinkle in the developer's eye, and all promise to reshape the local landscape.

The Downtown Brooklyn skyline in the distance as seen from One World Trade Center (November 2020)

Now Selling/Renting

(Extell Development Company)
Interiors
Model secondary bedroom

The 720-foot-tall Brooklyn Point's status as the borough's tallest building is only temporary, as 9 Dekalb Avenue (see below) is nipping at its heels. However, the condominium will retain its status as having the highest rooftop infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere and its home above Dekalb Market Hall, which curates residents-only culinary experiences. It also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, spa and sauna area, rock-climbing wall, indoor basketball court,game lounge, pet spa, and private dining room with demo kitchen. All apartments feature interiors by Katherine Newman and sweeping city and water views.

Brooklyn Point (left) (CityRealty)
City Point and Brooklyn Point mark the ceter of the new Downtown Brooklyn skyline
Renderings of 11 Hoyt via Binyan Studios

Studio Gang's first New York residential building is immediately distinguished by its scalloped facade. On the outside, it forms an organized pattern that animates the building as light hits it at all hours of the day. On the inside, it enhances the views and provides built-in window seats to enjoy them. Interiors also feature 10' ceilings, grand entrance galleries, open chef's kitchens, abundant closet space, and a choice of finishes. Residents have access to a private park, private driveway, private dog run, and outdoor hot tubs. Indoor amenities at the Park Club and Sky Club include a state-of-the-art fitness center, sports courts, pool, sauna and steam room, co-working lounge, children's playroom, game room, and screening room.

October 2020
All renderings of The Brooklyn Grove via Adam America
Apartment interiors

Closings and move-ins have just begun at The Brooklyn Grove, whose facade with glazed brick and framed windows makes it a standout at street level. Interiors feature organic materials, oversized windows, well-appointed chef's kitchens, and spa-like master baths. It is topped with a roof deck, and amenities below include an attended lobby, fitness center with yoga studio, 40' pool with deck area, children's playroom, pet spa, lounge, and party room.

(ODA Architecture)
Rendering via Arc Media; construction progress circa November 2019 via CityRealty
Living room
Roof deck

Starchitect Morris Adjmi's latest Brooklyn design is taking shape on the cusp of Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Cobble Hill. Its clean lines, industrially-inspired windows, and textured Danish brick facade pay tribute to the neighborhood's past while nudging it into the modern day. All apartments feature oak plank flooring, minimalist kitchens, marble baths, and stacked in-unit washer/dryers. Select units have private outdoor space, and all residents have access to an attended lobby, a fitness center, a game room, a lounge, a media room, a children's playroom, and a rooftop garden with outdoor kitchen and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor. Construction recently topped out, and the cladding is well underway.

76 Schermerhorn Street
Developed by Lonicera Partners, Orange Management, and The Davis Companies | Design by Studio DB
Condo | 13 stories | 59 units
1 through 3-beds | $805K - $3.4M

All renderings of The Symon via Compass

Situated just outside the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, The Symon draws inspiration from its timeless surroundings, takes its name from the patriarch of the entrepreneurial and philanthropic Schermerhorn family, and marries rich, natural materials with classic detailing for timeless yet fresh interiors. The light-filled interiors boast crown molding accents, gracious entry foyers, custom-washed oak floors, high-end kitchens, and private terraces in select units. Residential amenities include a luxurious attended lobby, lounge, children's playroom, gym outfitted with Peloton equipment, and roof deck with scenic vistas.

All renderings via The Corcoran Group
Well situated on the cusp of Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights, this towering, Flatiron-esque building makes a dramatic statement in the Brooklyn skyline. It went up on the former site of the Brooklyn Heights branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, and a new, state-of-the-art library will open at the base. The retail space will be occupied by Brooklyn Roasting Company and a pop-up food venue featuring Smorgasburg vendors.

Upstairs, all units come with incredible views, hardwood floors, marble countertops and islands in the well-appointed kitchens, and spa-like master baths. Amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby; a Sky Lounge with a kitchen and a bar; a landscaped terrace with grilling stations and areas for socializing; a children’s play space with indoor and outdoor areas; a sound-attenuated screening room; a music rehearsal area; a residents’ study; and a fitness center that includes a hot tub, sauna, and yoga studio.

November 2020
All images of 1 River Park via Douglas Elliman

At ground level, 1 River Park is a seamless addition to its classic brownstone block. But above the neighborhood's cornice line, a majestic glass tower makes a striking addition to the local skyline. All units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Gaggenau-appointed kitchens, and panoramic vistas of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor. Over 17,000 square feet of residential amenities include landscaped sky gardens with lawn seating and outdoor movie screen , a stone-detailed lobby with 24-hour concierge, an outdoor heated pool, al fresco dining with outdoor kitchen and BBQ grills, and expansive fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment, and parking.

All images of 5 River Park via Douglas Elliman

Located on the cusp of Cobble Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, 5 River Park offers a contemporary interpretation of classic Brooklyn masonry design. The graciously scaled apartments feature excellent proportions and light, stunning views, top-of-the-line kitchens, tranquil baths, and generous closet space. Over 20,000 square feet of residential amenities include an outdoor resort pool and garden grotto, outdoor kitchen and dining area, private playground, indoor hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center, acoustically enhanced music room, children's playroom, and game room.

All images of One Flatbush via Hill West and Compass
Apartment interiors
Lounge
Beautifully situated on the cusp of Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, the design of One Flatbush by Hill West with Whitehall Interiors, nods to the neighborhood's history with an industrially-inspired red brick facade and multi-paned, oversized windows. The contemporary units offer open-plan layouts, well-appointed kitchens, tranquil baths, and in-unit washer/dryers. An extensive amenity suite includes a fitness center, residents' lounge, co-working space, game room with wet bar, communal dining room, outdoor patio, and landscaped roof terrace.

Under Construction

Rendering of 9 Dekalb Avenue via SHoP Architects

No Brooklyn landmarks were demolished to make way for this supertall. On the contrary, the Brooklyn Dime Savings Bank is being restored and reimagined as the entrance to what will be the tallest building in Brooklyn, a 73-story tower rising behind it. The apartments above will be a mix of rentals and condos, and all residents will have access to a rooftop lounge and pool wrapping around the Guastavino dome. Foundation work began in the spring, and completion is estimated for 2022.

October 2020
October 2020
Renderings of 200 Montague Street credit of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects
An International Style-bank building at 200 Montague has given way to the construction of a 20-story, a 121-unit residential project being developed by Midtown Equities and designed by Beyer Blinder Belle. After purchasing the HSBC Bank for $25 million in 2007, the developer is moving forward with plans to build a market-rate rental building with 26 studios, 57 one-bedrooms, 26 two-bedrooms, and 12 three-bedroom apartments. Amenities are to include a landscaped rooftop terrace, rear yard terraces, fitness and yoga rooms, resident lounge space, children’s playroom, bicycle storage, communal laundry, and a pet wash.

The site is a stone's throw from Borough Hall and Cadman Plaza Park and lies within the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District. As such, the design required the approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The blocky massing is distinguished by an elegant, albeit brooding bronze-toned detailing offset by reinforced concrete piers. Our last visit to the site shows that excavation work is well underway and delivery should be expected sometime in 2022.

339 Hicks Street
Developed by Fortis Property Group | Design by Hill West Architects
Condo | 38 stories | 103 units

Rendering of 2 River Park via Fortis Property Group

2 River Park will be the tallest tower in River Park, Fortis Property Group's redevelopment on the former site of Long Island City Hospital. Well situated on the cusp of Cobble Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, its curved glass facade will help preserve what promises to be amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. Apartments will start on the third floor with no more than six units per floor, and no more than two units per floor from the 20th story up. Residential amenities will include an attended lobby, mail room, bike room, fitness center, indoor pool, lounges, and outdoor terraces. A $241.4 million offering plan has been accepted.

David Miller
Author

David Miller

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.