Domino Sugar Refinery Site Will Serve Up Cube Apartment Building at 325 Kent Avenue

The massive redevelopment of the old Domino Sugar refinery is underway at 325 Kent Avenue. Otherwise known as “Site E” located between S. 3rd and S. 4th Streets in Williamsburg, this 16-story building at 325 Kent Avenue will be the first residential building completed on the Brooklyn waterfront campus.

The design for 325 Kent Avenue features an opening in the square structure, allowing light and air to stream through. The open block design is courtesy of SHoP, the renowned architectural firm that’s delivering solid but innovative design. The building will contain 522 apartments, about 105 of which will be affordable housing for low-income residents. Two Trees Management, which is developing this multi-building project, will eventually add 2,300 residential units to the Williamsburg market at the old sugar refinery site facing the East River.

Negotiations last year with New York Mayor Bill De Blasio over the number of affordable units would be included nearly stalled the development even more, but with the city and Two Trees satisfied with the terms and scope of the project, the project is a go. Affordable units will rent for as little as $575-to-$703 per month, but market-rate units will bring home the bacon for Two Trees.

Construction on this building is expected to be completed in 2017, with tenants able to move in by spring. A housing lottery is expected for later in 2016. In addition to the 500-plus apartment units at 325 Kent Avenue (Site E) there will be about 9,400 square feet in retail space, too.