In Williamsburg, it is possible to live in a building that was once a musical instrument factory, a shoe polish factory, or a grocery wholesaler. As new development extends to East Williamsburg, so too does the trend of looking to industrial buildings for residential opportunities. Architecture firm ROART and an entity known as 850 Metropolitan Ave. Investors, LLC transformed a one-time Borden condensed milk distribution plant at 850 Metropolitan Avenue into a development named Milk Factory, a condo conversion with a cantilevered addition that offers a contrast of tradition and modernity. The unique history, sleek interiors, and well-situated address have proven irresistible to buyers: The building has announced an official sellout.
Milk Factory condos (Rendering credit ROART)
In this article:
All images of Milk Factory via ROART
“Milk Factory’s history speaks to the evolving neighborhood and we wanted to add to that storyline, while preserving its distinct characteristics" - Ran Oron, Principal, ROART
An offering plan accepted in June 2019 listed a $29.4 million sellout price, but Milk Factory has totaled just over $34 million in sales. Additionally, the 32-residence property achieved the three highest price per square foot sales in East Williamsburg at nearly $1,700 per square foot. Jennifer Carey, Director of Sales at REAL New York, Milk Factory's exclusive sales and marketing firm, said in a statement, “The trajectory of the Brooklyn market is rising. The price per square foot achievements, which are 30% above average for Williamsburg in its entirety, is a testament to that demand.” Indeed, CityRealty data shows that Williamsburg condo prices have climbed over the past few years and exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
Williamsburg sales data (CityRealty)
Inner courtyard
Fitness center
Milk Factory’s lot allows for an expansive inner courtyard, and a communal terrace at the front offers shelter from the elements under the cantilevered addition. Indoor amenities include a fitness room, bike room, and lobby lounge with gas fireplace and textured concrete walls. The building is two blocks from the Graham Avenue L station, two blocks from Cooper Park, and just east of the many dining and nightlife offerings of Bushwick Avenue.
Model living room
Over half of the 32 units open up to secluded patios or balconies with sweeping East River and Manhattan skyline panoramas. All interiors feature:
- Oversized industrial windows
- 5" hardwood floors
- Recessed designer light fixtures
- Kitchens with high-end appliances and Italian cabinetry
- Porcelain-tiled baths
- In-unit washer/dryers
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Related Articles
Future New York
Landmarks praises residential conversion/restoration of NoMad's Baudouine Building, Seeks revisions to rooftop addition
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Get To Know
What is a sponsor unit? Pros, cons, and NYC apartments with no board approval required from $165K
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Future New York
NYC contracts led by $18.5M Upper East Side mansion and a bespoke Billionaires' Row condo
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Get To Know
How property values are assessed in NYC + Great new listings with open houses from $445K
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Get To Know
Swim with a View: 30 Manhattan buildings with high-floor swimming pools and fitness centers
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Future New York
Brick is Back: NYC developments revive the warmth of masonry; See Morris Adjmi's new design for 277 Canal Street
Friday, June 19, 2026
Coney Island
Knicks in Five: 35 NYC condo and rental buildings with basketball courts
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Future New York
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.
