See New Renderings of Two Trees' Domino Sugar Redevelopment on the Brooklyn Waterfront

By Michelle Mazzarella | From Brooklyn Friday, April 6, 2018

Domino Sugar Factory rendering via Two Trees

Eight weeks ahead of its opening, Two Trees has released new renderings and details of Domino Park, an 11-acre park at the Domino Sugar Factory site on the Williamsburg waterfront. Designer James Corner Field Operations transformed the High Line and is in the process of revitalizing the South Street Seaport. If these are anything to go on, we can expect Domino Park to reconnect the neighborhood to the waterfront and turn another abandoned site into a destination.

Tacocina and seating via Two Trees

Play area via Jonathan Hilburg/AN

At the north end of the park, Danny Meyer’s newest venture, Tacocina, will open in a setting reminiscent of his first Shake Shack and have outdoor seating for 80-100 people. This “passive recreation” side of the park will also have a Japanese pine garden and urban beach. A children’s play area on this end was inspired by the sugar refinery’s machinery.

South end via Two Trees

With a volleyball court, a 1,570-square-foot dog run, two bocce courts, and a 6,300-square-foot flexible sports field, the south end of the park is undoubtedly the more active end of the park. It is also closer to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Water Square via Two Trees

In the center, “Water Square” will have a four-tiered seating area, sunken area with river-viewing steps, and a water feature. The Syrup Tank Garden comprises four 36-foot-tall cylindrical syrup tanks.

“Weaving in industrial remnants of the factory, Domino Park will serve as a living, breathing reminder of the history of this storied neighborhood.” – Jed Walentas, Principal, Two Trees

A waterfront esplanade will connect all areas of the park. The iconic Domino Sugar Factory will be clearly visible throughout the site, and an “Artifact Walk” will display salvaged factory machinery, original columns, and crane tracks. To prevent damage to this historic site, the project has incorporated resilient design features and raised the existing platform to seven feet above FEMA’s flood elevations.

Park map via Two Trees

Domino Sugar Factory site via Two Trees

The park will open ahead of many of the buildings in the Domino Sugar Factory complex. The iconic Domino Sugar factory is undergoing a conversion to a modern office space, and The Architects Newspaper reports that the smell of molasses is still in the air. The COOKFOX-designed, mixed-use rental at 260 Kent Avenue is estimated to open in 2019.

325 Kent Avenue via Two Trees

325 Kent Avenue, which architecture critic Carter Horsley describes as “a two-toned rectangular doughnut,” is the only finished tower so far. Amenities at the 500-unit, 16-story building include a fitness center, lounge, and roof deck with grilling and lounge areas. An affordable housing lottery attracted more than 87,000 applications for 104 units. Current availabilities start at $2,480/month for studios, $3,075/month for one-bedrooms, and $5,060/month for two-bedrooms.