Rendering of 320 Wythe Avenue via Flank Architecture & Development
As surprising as it may sound in a city where glass and steel edifices seem to be rising on every block, timber construction is making something of a comeback. At a time when developers and designers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their projects, timber construction allows them to use materials from sustainably managed forests and have a lower overall carbon footprint. Where concerns about fire may have put people off in the past, technological advances have allowed the timber to better stand up to this. Moreover, less addition is required because the timber adds exposed wood and beams without even trying.
Office rendering via Flank Architecture & Development
320 Wythe Avenue circa March 2019 via CityRealty
Flank Architecture & Development recognizes these benefits, which is why it has chosen to use cross-laminated timber construction for its projects at 320 and 360 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg. Both buildings have placed the timber over a concrete foundation and put it at the center of a brick façade reminiscent of the industrial warehouses that used to populate the area. Construction appears complete at 320 Wythe Avenue, a three-story commercial building with retail at the base and two stories of office suites. Ceilings soar over 13 feet high, and the building has over 1,000 square feet of private terraces.
Rendering of 360 Wythe Avenue via Flank Architecture & Development
360 Wythe Avenue circa March 2019 via CityRealty
Down the street, construction is nearly complete on its sister building at 360 Wythe Avenue. The first three stories of this building will be devoted to office and retail space, but 28 rental apartments will be spread out along the fourth and fifth floors. Amenities will include parking, indoor recreation space, and a roof terrace. It is a short walk from Nitehawk Cinema, a choice of two ferry stops, and a multitude of dining options.
Rendering of 80 Ainslie Street via Syndicate Architecture
80 Ainslie Street circa March 2019 via CityRealty
Further into the heart of Williamsburg, construction of the timber frame appears to have topped out on the 65-foot tall rental rising at 80 Ainslie Street. Residents of the 16 apartments will have access to a bike room, laundry room, and recreational terrace. It is only two blocks from the Metropolitan Avenue G subway stop, and a short walk to the dining and nightlife offerings of Union and Borinquen Avenues.
Leasing has not launched on either rental yet, but CityRealty data reports that the Williamsburg median rent is $2,650/month for studios, $3,216/month for one-bedrooms, and $3,800/month for two-bedrooms. More listings can be found here.
360 Wythe Avenue facade circa March 2019 via CityRealty
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