Development Opportunity - Bed-Stuy

Brooklyn, NY

Jay is always looking for opportunities as he constantly seeks chances to improve his community. In his Brooklyn neighborhood, he noticed that a large parking area to support a Big Box retailer was not the highest-and-best use for the land. At the same time, a significant change in grade between the entrance to the parking area and the entrance to the building, he believed provided the chance to re-imagine the site with consideration for introduction of a large residential development.

Working with recent Pratt Institute graduates Michael Ortiz and Paula Stoddard, Jay led a design effort to evaluate the opportunity. Consolidated property ownership of four individuals lots that together, make up the site, the chance to allow the property to achieve a more valuable use seemed easy.  Additionally, excavating the parking lot to be at grade with the entrance to the store would allow for the retailer to maintain the entire number of parking spaces.  While the site is often busy, approximately 20% of the parking spots are consistently unused.

The four parcels that together make up 5.1 acres are all zoned M1-5. The site would maintain the Big Box retailer and three residential towers totaling 316,286 square feet and 228 units could be strategically constructed in phases, while minimizing disruption to the business.  

The project assumes the owner/developer will maximize the Floor Area Ratio by using air rights over the retail building.  At the same time, circulation on the site would be reconfigured to allow the retailer to maximize other space and allow for amenities that will improve the site.  This includes reconfiguring uses within the building for landscape and gardening uses as well as the building’s loadings.  The project will also create a street with curb and landscaping between the retail and residential buildings as well as improved signage and lighting. 

The three towers make efficient use of the land, are configured to maximize air and light while also designed in consideration of project phasing for construction. Phasing and access will be a key element so the retailer can maintain operations and ensure the safety of its customers.