When the curtains fell to reveal a wrap around glass front building at 79 Franklin St (at Noble St) in Greenpoint, many residents wondered and dreaded what would open up there. A few of the predictions were American Apparel, Blue Bottle, Brooklyn Industries, laser tag, a roller disco and Trader Joe’s. Soon signs reading “Brooklyn Expo” were hung in the windows.
I was invited for a tour by the space manager Uri Zucker, who also manages Green Desk at 67 West St. We met to discuss having a future Greenpointers Market in the space, which would be quite a leap since the space is 26,000 sq. ft with a 40,000 sq. ft. parking area in the back. Our current market location –  The Greenpoint Loft (same property manager as well) is 6,000 sq. ft. Brooklyn Expo is HUGE!
When I mentioned to Uri that many readers were worried about an American Apparel coming, he reminded me of the tenants on the opposite side of the building at Franklin St and Oak St – Academy Records, People of 2Morrow, The Flying Squirrel and Rekover Projects – all small independently run businesses. And while many offers have been presented by big retailers, Uri explained that this half of the building will serve as a Convention Center, for large scale events – to open in October 2014.
Thoughts?
Sure. Why not. At least they made way for parking.
The over development of N. Bk is inevitable at this point, but I wouldn’t mind not having to trek to javits for trade shows and markets.
no.
I think that could be pretty sweet. When I was a kid I would go to a fishing expo every year and it was some of the best memories of my life. They are super fun.