Taking on an unprecedented model for mixed-use buildings, GMDC’s first new-construction project is also a first-of-its-kind in New York City, combining light manufacturing with affordable housing within one structure. The $118 million development is a partnership with local affordable and supportive housing developer The Bridge, who built 174 affordable and supportive housing units and 2,300 square feet of community facility space. GMDC developed the 39,000 square foot multi-tenanted manufacturing space located on the ground floor of the building.  The manufacturing units will be leased to GMDC’s typical tenants: custom woodworkers, cabinet makers, artisanal trades such as set builders and display makers, homes goods manufacturers, metal workers, and garment makers.

In April 2022, the organizations began construction on the site, which formerly housed Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup factory. The old industrial building was demolished and the site was rezoned from M1-1 to an MX district (M1-4/R6A) to facilitate the combination of residential and industrial uses at the site. This rezoning conducted through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) ensured the preservation of existing manufacturing uses on site while providing much needed affordable housing for the neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn.  This project was able to achieve an unprecedented design and financing model for mixed-used buildings in New York City, demonstrating the safe separation of housing and manufacturing uses within one building.

Major design components include:

• Newly installed solar panels
• High ceilings
• Heavy floor load
• Off-street loading dock with hydraulic lift
• Shared spray booth

The GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center will provide long-term affordable leases to approximately ten small manufacturing businesses, providing 35 new or retained jobs for workers making an average of $54,500 per year.

Images taken by ©Frederick Charles, fcharles.com