Construction has officially commenced on the last parcel of land at the historic Domino Sugar site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This landmark project, overseen by Two Trees Management, marks a significant milestone in a 12-year redevelopment effort. The new mixed-use building, known as Domino Site B, will rise to a height of 545 feet and is set to include more than 1,200 residential units, with 315 designated as affordable housing.
Final Phase of Redevelopment Announced
The initiation of construction follows a recent approval from the City Council regarding a rezoning plan that allows for modifications to the original development proposal submitted in 2014. The new design reflects changes that incorporate lessons learned from the completion of three other buildings and the renovation of the Domino Sugar Refinery, which is a central feature of the waterfront area.
According to Dave Lombino, a spokesperson for Two Trees, the updated design eliminates the previously proposed skybridge between towers and reduces the height of the podium. This adjustment comes after a decision by the School Construction Authority to forego plans for a new elementary school at the site. The revised building will feature a modern facade and balconies for every unit.
City regulations allowed for the addition of 100 units, with 20% categorized as affordable housing aimed at low Area Median Income levels. The new plan also includes a higher proportion of two- and three-bedroom apartments compared to previous designs.
Community Support and Future Developments
Despite the often contentious nature of rezonings, particularly in the Williamsburg area, the adjustments to Domino Site B have been met with broad community support. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Council Member Lincoln Restler have both expressed their approval of the revised plans, highlighting the project’s potential to generate increased affordable housing without significantly altering the building’s scale.
“Two Trees proposed some thoughtful modifications to their original plan that will generate even more affordable housing,” said Council Member Restler.
As part of the rezoning agreement, Two Trees has committed to enhancing public amenities in the surrounding area. This includes extending a protected bike lane along Kent Avenue and renovating the schoolyard at nearby J.H.S. 126. Restler noted the importance of these improvements, emphasizing that the Domino project has been a net positive for the community.
Construction is expected to be completed within approximately three years, with the new building set to welcome residents by 2026. Lombino remarked that this achievement would represent a significant culmination of efforts spanning over a decade.
Looking ahead, Two Trees plans to focus on another ambitious project further down Kent Avenue called River Ring. This development aims to include over 1,000 apartments, commercial space, and a waterfront park, which was approved by the City Council in 2021.
As the Domino redevelopment nears completion, the community anticipates the positive impact of these long-awaited transformations, which promise to enhance both living conditions and local amenities in this vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood.