Umbrella Factory, 710 Metropolitan Avenue

In the heart of Williamsburg sits a historic brick building on Metropolitan Avenue, a former 1943 umbrella factory still intact with all its notable charm. Formerly home to the Embee Sunshade Company, a well-known custom umbrella, and sunshade producer throughout New York City, The Umbrella Factory adaptively reuses the robust masonry façade and inserts new heavy timber construction and thoughtful residential layouts to produce a development true to the vitality and rich manufacturing legacy of Brooklyn.

Following a vision for utilitarian-chic lofts, 69 studio to three-bedroom condominiums are carved out inside and elevated above in a new four-story addition designed by Rawlings Architects. The residences are completely modernized but embody a stylish industrial aesthetic with exposed heavy timber beams complemented with matte black accents. All homes feature high ceilings, wide-plank floors, energy-efficient soundproof windows, central air, and a Bosch washer and dryer. Kitchens are outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances from Bertazzoni and Bosch.

Residents will have access to a beautiful array of amenities that include a roof deck equipped with a BBQ station, private and communal dining areas, lounge seating, and views of the Manhattan skyline. A dedicated doorman is on staff, and other conveniences include a fitness center, bike room, and on-site parking. The building's pet-friendly attitude also comes through with a dog-washing station and a rooftop dog run.

The Umbrella Factory sits on a quiet block in a primarily residential section of East Williamsburg. However, the East River waterfront, McCarren Park, and the dining and nightlife of Graham Avenue are in close proximity. Residents can be in Manhattan in less than 10 minutes as the building is conveniently located on the same block as the Graham Avenue L train stop. Other commuting alternatives include the BQE, the NYC Ferry, CitiBike docks, and the G, J, M, and Z lines are all only minutes away.

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