Brooklyn Bridge Park: Possible Construction

Constructing a new space in Brooklyn Bridge Park – at the Fulton Ferry Landing Pier – is back on the agenda.  Last year the project – under the auspices of Starling Architecture – was presented to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) but not accepted due to fears that it would block downtown Manhattan as well as the surrounding waterfront.

“My question is, what is different now?” asked Moshe Victor Keinig, a retired architect who spends a lot of time in New York. “Much as this new construction would give, I’m concerned about what it would take away.  Once you start diminishing the importance of historic landmarks such as these by accepting this kind of construction, you bring the entire stature of New York into question,” Keinig argued.

There has however, been one significant difference since the original proposal was put on the table back in April 2019. If approved, the structure will be able to preserve the current pier sightlines by using slimmer supports and eradicate the 11-foot-tall hydraulic window walls and roof system.

“I guess if Starling Architecture is able to commit to these changes then we won’t have the problem of the obstruction.  I also like the idea of the new white, yellow and green color scheme and the retractable fabric awning and central bar,”  Moshe Victor Keinig conceded.  “It is so  important for all cities to be able to maintain their historic presence and much of this is architecture,” he added.

Kent Towers

With an abundance of light, green space and community amenities, the towers on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn are becoming a fabulous architectural landscape site. Architectural firm ODA is the brains behind this development taking a step away from classic New York residential towers.

In this Williamsburg project designs, most units come out as corner apartments. This is a fascinating way to please everyone since usually the four corner apartments are the most expensive due to their popularity. So ODA solves that issue.

“ODA is relatively new in the architectural playing field,” said Olivia McCormick who has long dabbled in architecture and interior design, mainly for her family and friends. “And that’s what makes its success and recognition so impressive. It’s designs are somewhat off the beaten track but they are gaining popularity at incredible speed.”

Corner apartments in this particular venue are even more welcome given the location – right alongside the waterfront. As such every unit is subject to incredible views that almost seep into their apartments.

“When I first saw the design and then thereafter the actual tower,” reminisces retired architect Moshe Victor Keinig, I was blown away. ODA really knows what they are doing. I would love to one day purchase a unit at the towers,” he added.

Who could blame him? With views of the east river, Williamsburg bridge and areas of Downtown Manhattan these really will be prime locations. The towers take up four addresses from 416-420 Kent Avenue. The first one on 416 is now finished and each one will have more than 20 stories with over 850 units. Affordable housing will comprise 20 percent of this (those will be the only ones not in the corner status).