Developer Wants to Preserve Part of Art Deco Factory in Greenpoint

The distinctive curved facade on the polluted Harte & Company factory in Greenpoint could survive, an owner’s rep told the Brooklyn Eagle. But the 1930s Arte Moderne factory at 280 Franklin Street is still going to become apartments, likely a multi-building complex.

Yi Han of Experta Group said she’s working with the architects to save some piece of the unique corner, because “very few places in New York have that. It’s like a witness to the transformation of the neighborhood.”

The developer is planning multiple medium-rise residential towers on top of a three-story base with retail and office space. There may also be an “affordable organic supermarket” like Trader Joe’s, a medical and diagnostic center, and a hotel designed to “reflect Greenpoint culture.”

Yi added that she hopes to include small storefronts for restaurants, shops and galleries, as well as offices, studios and workshops on the second floor. While the investors haven’t decided how many apartments will be built, the broker involved in last year’s $23,250,000 sale of the site predicted 400 units.

Environmental engineers are studying the best way to clean up the state Superfund site, which has toxic materials buried 11 feet underground and polluted groundwater. Permits have already been filed for a new building on the nonpolluted piece of the property at 93 Dupont Street. It’ll have five stories and 26 apartments, according to new building applications disapproved in January.

Owner’s Rep Gives Us the 411 on the Harte & Co. Factory [Eagle]
Harte & Company/280 Franklin Street Coverage [Brownstoner]