First Units at Domino Sugar Factory Mega-Project in Williamsburg Up for Grabs Starting at $596

A lottery opened Monday for affordable units at 325 Kent Avenue, part of the long-in-the-works Domino Sugar Factory mega-project that will transform the north Brooklyn waterfront when it is complete. The 104 units are the first apartments to become available at the sprawling south Williamsburg complex, which is still under construction.

Monthly rents will range from $596 for a studio to $979 for a two-bedroom. To qualify for the lottery, households ranging in size from one to four persons must earn between $21,772 and $54,360 a year. Applications are due no later than January 30.

Construction on the 16-story building had reached the 10th floor in August. When finished, the entire development will have seven buildings and 1.96 million square feet, including office space and more than 2,200 apartments.

Developed by Two Trees and designed by SHoP Architects, the complex features an unusual design, with public access to extensive waterfront green space and six playfully shaped buildings through which the park land and water will be visible from the streets around the complex.

The iconic 1880s red-brick factory building, topped by the famed “Domino Sugar” sign, was landmarked in 2007 and will be adapted into offices.

The tallest portion of 325 Kent Avenue faces the waterfront, with stepped levels and terraces in the rear. The center of the building is cut out to allow for views.

The building will have 522 units in total, most of which will be market rate. The five-story base includes shops.

Building amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, on-site manager, and a central courtyard on the roof of the lower levels.

Parking for cars and bikes and fitness and recreation facilities are available for an additional charge.

Gas for heat, cooking and hot water is included in the monthly rent. Preference will be given to residents of Community Board 1 for 50 percent of the affordable units.

The building is located near the base of the Williamsburg Bridge, close to the shops and eateries of south Williamsburg. It is eight blocks from the J and Z trains at Marcy and 12 blocks from the L train at Bedford.

Development at the Domino Sugar site has been in the works for some time. Two Trees bought the property from another developer in 2012 and proposed an ambitious $1.5 billion redevelopment in 2013. In response to the community and newly elected Mayor de Blasio, Two Trees increased the space given to affordable housing in the complex and prioritized its delivery.

The project is a step forward architecturally and a refreshing change from the same-old, same-old we’ve come to expect from new buildings in Brooklyn. It will also provide public access and green space along this stretch of riverfront and bring thousands of new residents and workers to what was previously an abandoned industrial space.

Developer Two Trees is best known for transforming Dumbo into a residential neighborhood. SHoP’s other Brooklyn projects include Barclays Center and Brooklyn’s first supertall skyscraper at 340 Flatbush Avenue Extension (aka 9 DeKalb Avenue).

To submit an application, visit NYC Housing Connect by clicking here. Be sure to read up on common mistakes and strategies for applying.

Related Stories

• Excavation Begins at Former Site of Pop-up Park Next to Domino
• Closing Bell: Markowitz Approves Domino Before Leaving Office
• Landmarks Asks for Redesign for Domino Factory Conversion

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.