Gene Kaufman (GKA) is all over Brooklyn with projects that include two commercial co-working buildings in Bushwick, a hefty Greenpoint rental, and his most interesting design venture by far (he was once dubbed the "dark lord of architectural blandness" by Curbed), a Williamsburg rental at 56 North 9th Street, just off the popular waterfront. The bold 6-story, 45-unit building employs a few exciting and contrasting elements like a sharp angled facade and curved terraces, along with the use of glass and wood.
No doubt there's a lot going on in the facade, but there's also much excitement surrounding the Williamsburg waterfront, where many rentals have debuted in the past few years, including the adjacent North8, 111 Kent Avenue, 50 North 5th Street, Fifth & Wythe, and the re-imagined 119 Kent Avenue.
No doubt there's a lot going on in the facade, but there's also much excitement surrounding the Williamsburg waterfront, where many rentals have debuted in the past few years, including the adjacent North8, 111 Kent Avenue, 50 North 5th Street, Fifth & Wythe, and the re-imagined 119 Kent Avenue.
Massing Model of 56 North 9th Street and other notable new developments in the area (CityRealty)
Most recently, the 554-unit waterfront rental building, LEVEL, debuted its units. And if the new development is an indicator of what's to come at 56 North 9th, renters should expect to pay above the borough's median price. LEVEL has current rental prices starting at $2,267/month for a studio, $3,244/month for a one-bedroom, $4,111/month for three, and as high as $6,000/month for four. Yikes. Luckily, rental offers can be found throughout the area - LEVEL is currently offering 2 months free on an 18-month lease and 50 North 5th Street is offering 1 month free. And like most newly-built rentals these days, all residences are no-fee.
After the L train shutdown was announced for 2019, commuters were rightfully worried about accessibility, whereas landlords, brokers, and developers grew concerned over the longevity of Williamsburg's new construction boom. And while we have to wait to see the shutdown's full effects, some developers, like LEVEL's Jeffrey Levine of Douglaston Development are seemingly unfazed. Of course, this could be because there are a number of workarounds planned; there will be a new ferry route connecting Williamsburg to other parts of Manhattan (great news for waterfront buildings), no single- or two passenger cars will be on the Williamsburg Bridge, and a bus-only 14th street will be implemented.
Google street view of 56 North 9th Street construction (September 2017)
Plans or 56 North 9th Street were proposed in 2013 but the building just topped out this past summer. According to a recent Google street view from September, 56 North 9th Street still has a long way to go.
Retail will occupy the first two floors and residential units - many with balconies and East River views - will occupy the top floors. The units will have kitchens with lacquered cabinets, stainless steel appliances and Caesarstone countertops, and bathrooms will sport polished chrome fixtures and exotic wood cabinetry. The lobby will have a 16-foot greenwall and amenities will include a roof deck, an indoor and outdoor lounge, a roof deck, a children's play area, and lots of attended parking. GKA is also designing the interiors.
Retail will occupy the first two floors and residential units - many with balconies and East River views - will occupy the top floors. The units will have kitchens with lacquered cabinets, stainless steel appliances and Caesarstone countertops, and bathrooms will sport polished chrome fixtures and exotic wood cabinetry. The lobby will have a 16-foot greenwall and amenities will include a roof deck, an indoor and outdoor lounge, a roof deck, a children's play area, and lots of attended parking. GKA is also designing the interiors.
Old rendering of 56 North 9th Street (Gene Kaufman Architect)
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Sandra Herrera
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