The Sugar Warehouse,
79 Laight Street

Overview of The Sugar Warehouse at 79 Laight Street

The Sugar Warehouse at 79 Laight Street was built in 1853 by the Grocers Steam Sugar Refining Company and later sold to the United States Sugar Refining Company. At 10 stories, it was one of the tallest buildings in New York City when constructed. In 2000, the landmarked structure was acquired by Alex Forkosh of Forkosh Construction and converted into a 34 unit condominium by architect Joseph Pell Lombardi, who described it as "one of the more complex" conversions he had undertaken due to the building's varying heights—10 stories in the core but only five or six stories in other sections. The 2002 restoration preserved the building's distinctive red brick façade, black metal window shutters on the lower floors, and the painted white signage displaying the building's name and address.

The building's conversion required installing an entirely new structural system behind the historic façade to accommodate modern split level and duplex layouts. Two interior courtyards were created to bring natural light into the building. The slightly arched windows and charming exterior details, carefully restored to meet Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements, give the building significant street presence along its lengthy façade extending to West Street. The building sits on cobblestone Laight Street at the corner of West Street in prime North TriBeCa.

All 34 residences are configured as two or three bedroom apartments, with most featuring split level or duplex layouts. Units range from approximately 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, with ceiling heights reaching 14 to 16 feet in many apartments. Several penthouses include skylights and private roof deck access. Common features across units include spacious great rooms, open kitchens with high end appliances from brands like Miele, Sub Zero, Viking, and Gaggenau, marble bathrooms, custom millwork and closets, and vented washer/dryers. Many apartments offer Hudson River views through the building's signature arched windows, and select units feature wood burning fireplaces and private keyed elevator access.

The Sugar Warehouse offers full service amenities including a 24 hour doorman, live-in superintendent, fitness center, two common rooftop decks, children's playroom, bicycle storage, conference room, and private storage units for each residence. The building is pet friendly and zoned for PS 234. There is no parking garage on site. The building has undergone major capital improvements including waterproofing, fireproofing, lobby renovation, and playroom updates.

The location directly across from Hudson River Park and Piers 25 and 26 provides immediate access to waterfront recreation. The building sits in one of TriBeCa's most desirable blocks, with close proximity to the dining and shopping of TriBeCa, SoHo, and the West Village. The cobblestone streets and historic warehouse architecture define the neighborhood's character, which transformed from the former Washington Market produce district into one of Manhattan's most sought after residential areas.

The Sugar Warehouse stands as one of only three historic condominium buildings on the entire TriBeCa waterfront and represents one of the neighborhood's most significant conversion projects from the early 2000s. The building's industrial heritage, combined with its landmarked status and full service amenities, has made it a cornerstone property in the area. The conversion preserved an important piece of New York's 19th century commercial architecture while creating distinctive loft style residences that blend prewar character with modern luxury.