The Brooklyn Navy Yard stands as a testament to the metamorphosis of New York City—a sprawling 300-acre expanse intricately weaving together a storied past, cutting-edge innovation, and a vibrant cultural tapestry. Once a bustling naval shipbuilding hub during the Revolutionary War, this locale has undergone an impressive renaissance in recent years. Today, it houses over 450 businesses, employing over 11,000 individuals across diverse industries, including technology, manufacturing, and media.
What sets the Brooklyn Navy Yard apart is its unwavering commitment to preserving the old while embracing the new. Former naval buildings and machine shops, with their weathered bricks and beams, now serve as the backdrop for cutting-edge technology and innovation hubs. This unique blend of past and future creates an environment that sparks creativity and collaboration.
Deck 72: Brooklyn’s Waterfront Oasis with Food, Drinks, and Stunning Views
Leading this revival is Dock 72—a colossal 675,000-square-foot building that redefines the 21st-century work environment. Developed jointly by Boston Properties (BXP) and Rudin Management, Dock 72 is a game-changer within the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This groundbreaking development not only offers state-of-the-art amenities and innovative workspaces but also provides breathtaking panoramic views, marking it as one of the largest ground-up developments outside of Manhattan in decades.
Strategically positioned within the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the waterfront between Williamsburg and DUMBO, Dock 72 enjoys a convenient location with easy access to vibrant neighborhoods like Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, as well as Downtown Brooklyn. With an abundance of transportation options, including 13 subway lines, the LIRR, Citi Bike stations, and an East River Ferry landing, reaching Dock 72 has never been more convenient.
Designed as a laboratory for the production of ideas and innovation, Dock 72 seamlessly integrates modern office infrastructure with a unique design aesthetic. The building’s 14′ floor-to-floor heights and expansive vision glass maximize natural light, offering unobstructed views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Private terraces, rooftop gardens, and an open lawn create an indoor-outdoor working environment, fostering creativity in the heart of the city.
What distinguishes Dock 72 is its 35,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed amenities aimed at enhancing the well-being of its tenants. Offering organic food choices, a rooftop conference center, and a cutting-edge health and wellness facility, Dock 72 fosters a community that prioritizes collaboration, relaxation, and creativity. Its dedication to sustainability, energy efficiency, and connectivity establishes it as a pioneering force in innovative design within the market.
A Culinary Hotspot and Innovation Hub: Building 77
Alongside Dock 72, stands Building 77 within the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This contemporary production center reopened in 2017 with the support of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and spans a million square feet of concrete. Regarded as the epicenter of the entire redevelopment project, it serves as a testament to the yard’s dedication to preserving its storied past while adapting to the demands of the present.
Originally constructed in 1942, Building 77 served as a Navy storage warehouse and offices during WWII. Its $185 million rehab transformed it into an active manufacturing facility, removing 3 million pounds of concrete and installing 50,000 square feet of windows. The building’s opening heralds the arrival of 3,000 new jobs, contributing to the goal of creating 17,000 jobs by 2020—a remarkable expansion for the Navy Yard.
Building 77 hosts a diverse range of tenants, from food purveyors and retail spaces on the ground floor to light manufacturing on the upper floors. Anchor tenant Russ & Daughters, alongside companies like Jalapa Jar, Rustik Tavern, and Transmitter Brewery, contributes to creating high-quality, middle-class jobs, aligning with the Navy Yard’s vision for accessible employment. Building 77’s 85% occupancy on opening day underscores the city’s demand for long-term manufacturing space, emphasizing the need for such spaces in New York.
In conclusion…
The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a dynamic tapestry of Brooklyn’s ever-evolving narrative—a mosaic where creativity, innovation, and culture intertwine seamlessly. With Dock 72 casting its modern allure and Building 77 igniting transformative energy, the yard stands as a beacon of reinvention. Boston Properties, Rudin Management, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation infuse this landscape with a blend of nostalgia and forward momentum, sculpting it into the trendiest enclave coveted by New Yorkers eager to explore the intersection of history and progress and to bask in the glow of endless possibilities.
