News Summary

Gowanus is witnessing two significant residential projects at 613 Union St. and 610 Sackett St., aiming to provide affordable housing options. These developments, led by Avdoo, will introduce a total of 125 new residential units alongside retail space, reshaping the neighborhood’s landscape. The projects are part of a broader initiative to address the growing demand for housing, with a commitment to including low-income units. As Gowanus evolves from its industrial past, these developments promise a new chapter in community living.

Gowanus

Two new residential developments are set to reshape the landscape of Gowanus, with plans for construction at 613 Union St. and 610 Sackett St. The projects, spearheaded by Manhattan-based real estate firm Avdoo, aim to provide much-needed housing, including units designated as affordable housing.

The Union Street project will encompass approximately 127,000 square feet and will consist of 86 residential units. In contrast, the Sackett Street development will cover about 66,000 square feet and will feature 39 residential units. Both structures will rise to eight stories, reaching 95 feet in height, and will include ground-floor retail spaces.

Importantly, at least some of the residential units in both developments will be allocated as low-income housing, addressing the demand for affordable living options in the area. Avdoo initially filed plans for the Sackett Street project under the incorrect address of 628 Sackett St. but will be rectifying this to the correct address, 610 Sackett St.

The Union Street development also involves the demolition of an existing one-story industrial building located at 601 Union St. Avdoo purchased the site for the Union Street project in late 2024 for $29.4 million, marking a significant investment in Gowanus.

Concerns have emerged from developers regarding New York’s 485-x affordable housing tax break, which enforces a minimum wage requirement of $40 per hour for projects with 100 or more units. This regulation is prompting many real estate firms in Gowanus to opt for smaller developments to sidestep these wage mandates.

Gowanus has seen a surge in new construction following a rezoning effort, which is projected to lead to the addition of up to 8,500 new housing units, including 3,000 affordable units. The ongoing transformation of Gowanus is characterized by a mix of new apartment buildings, retail spaces, and amenities designed to attract a diverse range of residents.

Marketproof, a real estate analytics firm, reports that there are currently 141 residential projects in Gowanus, with 44 having received occupancy certificates. Approximately 6,700 housing units are either in pre-construction or under construction, while around 3,100 units have obtained temporary or full certificates of occupancy.

New developments in Gowanus are commanding higher rents, with prices in buildings constructed post-2018 reaching up to 35% more than their older counterparts. This rise in rental costs reflects the ongoing demand for residential spaces in the area.

The Gowanus Canal, once a barrier to development due to pollution concerns, is now undergoing a $500 million EPA Superfund cleanup. This revitalization effort is expected to significantly enhance the appeal of the surrounding neighborhood.

Future community plans include provisions for affordable artist studios and the establishment of a neighborhood arts center, seen as benefits of the rezoning initiatives. Various ongoing projects are being developed with modern amenities that cater to contemporary lifestyles, indicating a notable shift in Gowanus from its industrial roots towards a more residential and recreational community.

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Additional Resources

• Crain’s New York: Avdoo Plans Two Gowanus Residential Projects
• Brick Underground: Gowanus New Developments
• New York YIMBY: Coney Landing Breaks Ground
• The Architect’s Newspaper: Gowanus Redevelopment
• New York Times: Gowanus Brooklyn Development
• Wikipedia: Gowanus
• Google Search: Gowanus Residential Development
• Google Scholar: Gowanus Development
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gowanus
• Google News: Gowanus Real Estate

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

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