Inside the Rheingold, ODA's AIA Award-winning transformation of Bushwick brewery site

By CityRealty Staff | From Brooklyn Friday, October 18, 2019

The Rheingold via Lester Ali

During the heyday of Rheingold beer, its brewery in Brooklyn looked virtually indistinguishable from its Bushwick neighbors but for some intriguing architectural details (h/t Brownstoner). However, there is no mistaking The Rheingold, the most colorful of the new residential buildings that rose on its site decades after its demolition in the 1980s. With its stepped blocks, protruding balconies, and sloping roofline, the design by ODA has been compared to a mountain silhouette. It is little wonder that this full-block building recently won a Housing Design Award from AIA New York.

Rheingold Brewery circa 1954 via Brooklyn Public Library

Balcony detail via Pavel Bendov

"A living, breathing canvas of expression for its residents and community" - AIANY

Photo by Pavel Bendov

The Rheingold is further distinguished by a repeating pattern of yellow, orange, and red window frames was inspired by the murals and street art that emerged as Bushwick attracted artists. These colorfully framed floor-to-ceiling windows fill all 500 units with incredible natural light, and interiors by Durukan Design offer a homey yet funky atmosphere. Features include high ceilings, oak hardwood flooring, integrated Bluetooth systems, LED accent lighting, chef’s kitchens with soft-close cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, and sumptuous Italian porcelain baths. Several units have private outdoor space that acts as a natural extension of the homes.

"Where most residential buildings play it safe, The Rheingold breaks the mold. The O-shaped height is lowered in key areas to increase sunlight exposure for the courtyard and interior facades while tethering the building to the community with a scaled down vertical footprint." - AIANY

Lobby and amenity space via Pavel Bendov

The Rheingold surrounds two interior courtyards, is topped with a landscaped roof deck, and offers such outdoor pleasures as a tree-lined walking path, terraced garden, children’s play area, dog run, lounge and party areas, outdoor gym and shower, and 100-foot steel skybridge. Inside, amenities like a painting room, photography studio, soundproof music room, and computer lab were designed to attract creative residents. On the wellness side, a bi-level gym has a double-height rock climbing wall, squash court, yoga and fitness studio, and on-site spa, steam room, and sauna.

Additional amenities include a library, game room, screening room, children’s playroom, dog run, concierge, parking, bike room, storage, and lobby café operated by local favorite Swallow Café. Moreover, for all the modern amenities, the area's history has not been forgotten: A partnership with The Bushwick Collective brings eye-catching murals by local artists to the building.

Skybridge via Pavel Bendov

Last spring, an affordable lottery took place for 100 units from $913/month at The Rheingold. Current availabilities start at $2,275/month for studios, $3,161/month for one-bedrooms, $2,871/month for two-bedrooms, and $4,331/month for three-bedrooms. According to CityRealty data, this is roughly in line with the Bushwick median rents of $2,000/month for studios, $2,475/month for one-bedrooms, and $3,499/month for two-bedrooms. See more rental listings here.