Vertical construction underway for Brooklyn mixed-use development
The once-vacant lot at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Forest Street in Brooklyn is coming to life as vertical construction continues for The HUB, a mixed-use development now several years in the making.
After a groundbreaking last October, the project is now well underway and residents can see work progress on two buildings with work on a third – a three-story structure dubbed The Tower – expected to begin shortly with outdoor spaces including terraces, decks and courtyards following eventually.
Architect Joe Cronk of Cronk Duch Architecture/CD+Urban Studio expects phase one of the project – the three structures that will house Southern Grounds and Company, Blueberry Bakery, the rooftop Sky Bar, the Aegean-inspired wood-fired restaurant concept Alder and Oak and the new CD+Urban Studio office – to be complete by the end of this year with a possible second phase still evolving.
“Phase two would be a possible additional boutique office, another concept – an outdoor dog yard, music areas…just kind of fun outdoor activities – and then additional courtyard spaces, maybe even an outfitter to tie into the Emerald Trail and the river, things like that,” Cronk said.
Cronk added that the development team is still in early discussions with the property owner for a second phase.
“But I think it’s safe to say that all of us are really working towards that phase two,” he added.
Brooklyn has undergone significant evolution in recent years with extensive development bringing new residential, commercial and retail spaces to the now-thriving community. Cronk said his team has been watching the community’s growth and tailoring The HUB as needed to ensure it meets the neighborhood’s needs as they change along with it.
“We want to make sure we understand the master plan and what would be the right concept or the right amenity or the right component to add to this destination,” he said.
The HUB will be located at 400 Riverside Avenue.
