Leasing has begun for two timber buildings being built at 320 and 360 Wythe Avenue, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The projects are making history by way of construction materials, and will become the first new developments in over a century to be built in New York City with a timber structure. Hansen Architects, established in 1945, will be responsible for the design.
Last week, Chelsea-based developer and design firm Flank acquired the development assemblage at 41-53 South 3rd Street, in Williamsburg, and now the firm is purchasing another assemblage of properties two blocks to the north. Frank is paying $21.6 million for the two-story building at 70 Grand Street, the corner lot at 72 Grand Street, and the single- and two-story buildings at 314-326 Wythe Avenue, according to the Wall Street Journal. The property assemblage could accommodate 26,904 square feet of new development if the current structures are demolished. Current plans call for the renovation of some of the buildings, in addition to the construction of new ones (which means something is likely to be demolished). The program will include residential units, office space, and retail.