The Pad, 196 South 2nd Street: Review and Ratings

Review of 196 South 2nd Street by Carter Horsley

This small, mid-block building at 196 South 2nd Street in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn is one of the best looking high-tech buildings in the city.

It was designed by Robert A. Scarano Jr., and is notable for its very unusual massing and fenestration.

It has three tall and narrow piers each with double-height windows and three floors. They are between three slightly wider and shorter setback portions of the façade. Each of these setback sections has 15 windows and an apartment entrance. There are more setbacks on both the pier and setback sections.

Of the 15 windows on each of the setback sections, 10 are all square and in three small sizes and they are staggered vertically.

The façade is clad in shiny metal panels and the overall effect is of a very complicated gear mechanism for a giant, flattened clock.

In just a few years, Mr. Scarano has become one of the most prolific architects in the city's history and most of his projects have been in Brooklyn. He has also been one of the most controversial as the Department of Buildings has taken away his right to "certify" that his buildings are in compliance with its regulations and some of his buildings are noted for their low-ceiling mezzanines.

Nonetheless, his massing and materials are very interesting. Given the small size of many of the projects, he has managed to manipulate the spaces boldly and dramatically as evidence here where the small building dominates its neighbors as a diamond in the rough.

Several of his buildings, such as the Satori at 340 Bond Street, are notable for their use of sleek, wood-like façade paneling that gives a look of warmth and modernity at the same time.

This building has 30 apartments and was developed by N. Tower LLC of which Aron Deutsch is president.

The building's website states that it has an "intentional geometric window design that sways from the traditional." "For the modern-minded stylish set, THE PAD springs to life in Williamsburg's energetic Southside - with the coolest of urban loft-style sensibilities: signature spaciousness, open room-to-room flow, sky-high ceilings (select lofts), smart design, and modern, luxurious amenities," according to the website.

The building has a roof deck, sidewalk landscaping, lighting sconces on the façade, keyless intercom entry, a fitness center and a billiards room.

Kitchens have white lacquer cabinetry, Fisher & Paykel refrigerators and dishwashers, Caesarstone countertops and GE stainless steel ranges.

Bathrooms have "floating" cabinets and Vitabeth Venetian soaking tubs.