Conceptual rendering of the Domino Sugar Factory Redevelopment Plan (SHoP Architects/Two Trees Development)
After transforming DUMBO into a neighborhood suitable for residential habitation decades ago, Two Trees Development is forging ahead with plans to turn the once-derelict South Williamsburg waterfront into a mixed-use community featuring some of the tallest buildings in Brooklyn. Last year, the Jed Walentas-led firm received city approval to build their ambitious River Ring plan. However, they still have some unfinished business at the old Domino Sugar Factory site located just south of that proposal.
Recently, the team began foundation work at 346 Kent Avenue (Site D), the southernmost site in the plan that is envisioned to have a pair of residential towers — one of which is to be the tallest building in Williamsburg. Likely pressured by the expiration of the controversial 421a tax abatement program, earthmovers and pile drivers can now be seen at the fenced-in site that lies in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge.
No evidence of the sky bridge in the axonometric drawing posted at the site
Building permits were filed back in 2014 to shore up water, sewer, and utility connections at the parcel. While it is unknown if construction will proceed to full completion, the roaring, supply-staved rental market as well as the successful lease-outs of 325 Kent Avenue (Site E) and 260 Kent Avenue (Site A), lead us to believe that it's full steam ahead.
According to plans approved by the City Council, 346 Kent Avenue will be a two-tower affair soaring 52 and 39 stories high. The taller tower will top out at 575 feet while the shorter southern tower will be 100 feet shorter. Ismael Leyva was the architect of record for the initial filings. SHoP Architects drew up the initial master plan, unveiling drawings of a heterogeneous set of towers where different architects would ultimately design each parcel. Schematic renderings for 346 Kent show a pair of towers with variegated fenestration connected by a sky bridge at mid-height. There will be a small courtyard at its southwest corner buffering the towers from the bridge and the waterfront park. Directly north of the towers, a large public square (Site C) is to be an open space seasonally programmed with a food and flea market roller/ice skating rink, and performances.
The site overlooks the very popular Domino Park
Half of the parcel shown will be a public square that will open up the neighborhood to the waterfront
A glimpse of the public square that will be framed by the sites C, D, and the Refinery Building.
Next door, work continues on the addition and adaptive-reuse of the Refinery Building into offices. The rising concrete core is now visible.
Rendering of the reimagined Refinery Building by the Practice for Architecture Urbanism (PAU)
All buildings in the Domino plan share incredible open views of the East River and Manhattan
One South First designed by COOKFOX Architects
Domino Sugar site from the East River in late June 2022 (CityRealty)
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