One South First makes striking statement in Williamsburg's Domino Sugar Factory site

By CityRealty Staff | From Brooklyn Wednesday, November 13, 2019

All photos of One South First circa November 2019 via CityRealty

On the Williamsburg waterfront, the Domino Sugar Factory redevelopment is simultaneously transforming the local neighborhood and the skyline. That is especially evident at One South First, the second new building to rise on the site and the tallest in Williamsburg. Construction topped out at 42 stories and 435 feet high in spring, and developer Two Trees Management just announced the building's opening.

The architecture by COOKFOX was inspired by sugar crystals and is infused with more substance and sustainability than spun sugar. The façade was designed with 3D print molds that significantly reduced waste, energy, and resources, not to mention construction time. The roof reduces the building’s stormwater runoff and cooling load. Each elevation responds to a specific solar orientation, thus reducing demand on heating and cooling systems. Moreover, excess heat from Ten Grand Street, an interlocking office building poised to attract TAMI tenants, will be captured and reused.

Entrance via Two Trees Management

One South First’s 29,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space will include local favorites like Two Hands, Other Half Brewing, and Roberta’s. It will also include boutique office space and rental apartments on top. The alcove studio through two-bedroom units will be entered via keyless access and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with solar and blackout shades, central air conditioning, in-unit washer/dryers, and open kitchens with stainless steel appliances and custom Italian cabinetry.

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Of the 330 units, 66 will be affordable. Lottery details are not yet available, but market-rate apartments start at $3,178/month for studios, $4,400/month for one-bedrooms, and $6,133/month for two-bedrooms. All prices are net effective, indicating a rent concession. Nevertheless, according to CityRealty data, this puts it well above median Williamsburg rents, which range from $2,897/month for studios to $4,050/month for two-bedrooms. Down the street, the lone availability at the doughnut-shaped 325 Kent Avenue is a one-bedroom listed for $3,953/month.

Attended lobby via Two Trees Management

Rooftop pool via Two Trees Management

Lounge with waterfront views via Two Trees Management

Pool deck progress circa November 2019 via CityRealty

From the attended lobby to the rooftop pool, residents of One South First will enjoy a suite of top-quality amenities. The centerpiece of the lobby is a colored glass sculpture by artist Robert Swain, and the outdoor pool is surrounded by cabanas and overlooks the East River and Manhattan skyline. Additional amenities include an 8,000-square-foot fitness center, a 2,800-square-foot co-working space, and 4,200-square-foot lounge, and dedicated bike room.

Facade detail of Ten Grand Street (l) and One South First (r)

One South First and Domino Park as seen from East River Park

One South First is taking shape in a vibrant section of North Williamsburg up the street from the new ferry stop. However, the area’s most in-demand destination could very well be on its doorstep: The six-acre, award-winning Domino Park opened last year and combines the area’s rich history with modern waterfront views and activities. Features include industrial artifacts, a children’s playground inspired by the factory, a dog run, volleyball and bocce courts, and Danny Meyer’s Tacocina.

One South First is a key component of the new Domino Sugar Factory site, which is being developed by Two Trees Management with Partnership for Architecture and Urbanism. The project will ultimately bring 2,800 new rental apartments, 700 of which will be affordable. The 200,000 square feet of retail already includes Sky Ting Yoga, Mekelburg’s, Misi, The Modern Chemist, and Dandy Wine & Spirits.

Elsewhere on the site, the iconic Domino Sugar Factory is being converted to a modern office space. Demolition of the old factory interiors is expected to be completed in March 2020, and a steel and glass office will go up inside. Jed Walentas, Two Trees CEO, said that the site's past use is still very much evident: The walls were weeping molasses.