Couples were married and goods were hawked at a historic Greenpoint building, but is set for its next chapter as a housing complex.
Michael Weitzman’s Double U Development filed permits to convert a vacant two-story building at 144 Greenpoint Avenue into a six-story mixed-use building, Crain’s reported. The plans call for a 6,200-square-foot ground floor retail space and 35 apartments perched above that.
The building would span 28,000 square feet in all. Each of the residential floors would have anywhere between five and ten units. The top floor would have amenities, including a gym.
Double U acquired the 14,000-square-foot building three months ago from MacArthur Holdings for $8.9 million. Two years ago, MacArthur received permission to turn the building — which is tucked inside the Greenpoint Historic District between Franklin Street and Manhattan Avenue — into a four-story office with retail space, but never appeared to pull the trigger on those plans.
The property’s zoning allows for commercial, residential and community uses. Updates to the building, however, would need to go through the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Double U does not plan to demolish any of the building, but instead extend it vertically.
Weitzman did not return the publication’s request for comment.
The property dates back to the late 19th century. Polonaise Terrace, an event space used primarily by the Polish community, closed its doors in 2013. Three years later, the Brooklyn Bazaar sprung up in the former catering hall, offering a flea market open on the weekends featuring live music, food and drinks. The market closed down for good in 2019, leaving the property vacant.
Based in Williamsburg, Double U’s portfolio spans roughly 10 properties, including multifamily, office and commercial buildings. Weitzman is planning an 88,000-square-foot retail and sports center at 83 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg.
— Holden Walter-Warner
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