Ikea, a Big-Box Trailblazer in the 'Hook?
A new Real Deal article takes a look at how the impending arrival of Ikea is going to affect real estate values in Red Hook and notes that some see the Swedish retailer’s opening as a possible indicator of things to come: Namely, more big-box stores. “A lot of owners right now are waiting to…
A new Real Deal article takes a look at how the impending arrival of Ikea is going to affect real estate values in Red Hook and notes that some see the Swedish retailer’s opening as a possible indicator of things to come: Namely, more big-box stores. “A lot of owners right now are waiting to see what happens with Ikea,” says Landon McGaw, the Red Hook sales director for Massey Knakal Realty. “I think there’s tremendous opportunity in big-box retail that would make the neighborhood a weekend shopping mecca. Some smaller business owners, like the Good Fork’s Ben Schneider, believe that Ikea will bring more customers to their establishments and eventually lure more big-boxes. What that means for the future of possible residential conversions like 160 Imlay Street remains to be seen.
Ikea’s Design for Red Hook [The Real Deal] GMAP
Man on the Street: How’re You Feeling About IKEA? [Brownstoner]
Red Hook IKEA: Planning at its Worst? [Brownstoner]
They have already made changes to Hamilton Avenue under the BQE that seem to make the entrance to Red Hook more accessible. I agree with1;42 and i have been there many times. I can imagine all those furniture shoppers one hand on the steering wheel the other holding onto that 300lb flat packed computer desk “tied” to the car’s roof with a little piece of twine riding around in circles until they hit the projects or the water… bring back those cobblestones for comic relief!
mmmmmmmm……….Swedish Meatballs!
It is SUCH A BITCH to drive to Red Hook from anywhere–that’s the thing that freaks me out about all this car-necessary retail going there. Unless you’re willing to tolerate the BQE, which of course is always slammed, it’s a ridiculously labrythine nightmare.
Would be nice if the city made some changes to street-traffic patterns to deal with this, no?
1. I’ve never been to an Ikea and NOT needed a slice of apple cake and a cup of coffee.
2. People will walk there from the area to eat. There are lots of people in those projects. And yes, throwing the kid in the ball pit and spending a half hour with a cup of coffee will appeal to many.
3. I have a car with a carseat. Think I could make any money running a shuttle btw Ikea and Park Slope?
Shop as usual, and avoid panic buying.
“I think Red Hook is a really nice area that is on the verge of becoming even better”
Indeed. Red Hook can aspire to be like Elizabeth, NJ one day. Keep chasing that rainbow!
They need to open up a Zip Car location right next door to this place, or have van rentals like other big box stores offer.
About Red Hook in general, it’s awesome. Lots of potential, certainly. We’ve only taken car services there or had a friend drive us. Hopefully they figure out the transportation because bus-61 is not an appealing option for most people.
I think with increased traffic and demand for transportation, the MTA might come up with some expanded service. I visited Fairway last month, and although I have lived in CG for decades, I had never been to Red Hook. I was impressed on how much valuable land there is and how great the potential is to appropriately develop the neighborhood into a vibrant residential and shopping destination. P.S. I don’t have a car, so I took the 61 bus to Fairway from Columbia & Union. Not a bad ride, only about 5-7 minutes.
Are the vendors still in business? I went by here last weekend and saw nothing but a couple of soccer matches