Experience the extraordinary with remote work at the newly transformed Domino Sugar Refinery. This $150 million architectural project has turned the historic 167-year-old refinery into a captivating and unconventional venue that is set to be the most unique and enchanting workplace in New York City, if not the world.
Describing the Refinery at Domino as an “office building” would not do justice to this masterpiece of “adaptive reuse.” Developer Two Trees and architect Vishaan Chakrabarti of Practice for Architecture and Urbanism have created a stunning glass box within the old structure. The glass is set back from the outer walls, providing a fifteen-foot gap that is filled with a lush jungle of trees and plants designed by Field Operations. This design feature adds a touch of magic to the venue.
Through the glass walls, you can admire the stunning views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, the East River, and the trains passing over the Williamsburg Bridge. The original façade features 548 church-like arched windows that offer a unique perspective from each floor as they don’t consistently align with the floor plates.
Situated at the top of the refurbished structure is a breathtaking glass-dome penthouse called “Skylight.” This space serves as a gathering area for future tenants. Additionally, an intricately crafted replica of the original Domino Sugar sign is attached to the outer wall, serving as a powerful reminder of the refinery’s rich history.
Two Trees has deliberately preserved the imperfections and discolorations on the façade, showcasing the building’s century-and-a-half-long exposure to the elements.
This architectural transformation is a bold and audacious endeavor, reminiscent of the iconic High Line Park, also designed by Field Operations.
Originally built in 1884 by the family of Mayor Henry Havemeyer, the Domino Sugar plant was once a symbol of New York City’s industrial era. Producing up to 1 million pounds of sugar per day, it played a crucial role in shaping the city’s economy and fortunes. Over the years, the weather-beaten brick and masonry exterior, including a towering 214-foot-tall chimney, added to its allure as a historic landmark along the East River waterfront.
In 2004, the plant ceased operations as Domino moved its facilities to Yonkers. In 2015, Two Trees, renowned for their work in DUMBO, embarked on the ambitious project to transform this industrial relic into a vibrant residential and commercial complex. The renovation process involved removing over one hundred 30-foot-high sugar-processing vats from the interior of the space.
Mary Ann Tighe, the head of the project’s leasing team at CBRE tristate, vividly described the challenging conditions during the renovation: “Your feet stuck to the floor from the sugar residue. It was black, icky, and rancid.”
The Refinery is the focal point of Two Trees’ $3-billion Domino complex, covering eleven acres of the Williamsburg waterfront. The development also includes a brand-new office building, three apartment towers, 60,000 square feet of retail space, a river esplanade, and a five-acre park. The entire complex exudes a vibrant and festive atmosphere with its beautiful landscaping, Danny Meyer taco stand, and salvaged artifacts like steel drums.
Although The Refinery has just opened its doors to the public and has not yet secured any tenants, Two Trees is seeking $60-per-square-foot for rent. However, thanks to the city’s Relocation and Employment Assistance Program (REAP), which provides incentives for companies relocating from Manhattan, many tenants will enjoy lower rental rates.
Attracting forward-thinking companies in the current economic climate poses a challenge, with high interest rates affecting growth and many employees still working remotely.
Jed Walentas, the head of Two Trees, believes that the tenants of The Refinery will mainly come from the tech, media, and creative industries, rather than the financial sector. With convenient access to the L train Bedford Avenue stop and the J line’s Lorimer Street station, as well as the concentration of highly talented individuals in North Brooklyn, the development offers an enticing location for these industries.
Similar to Apple’s relocation of its European headquarters to London’s Battersea Power Station and Facebook’s move to the Farley Building, these cutting-edge industries are drawn to the charm of anachronistic properties. The Refinery is a shining symbol of Brooklyn’s remarkable transformation along its once-neglected waterfront. Joining the ranks of Industry City, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Refinery represents a sweet addition to this renaissance.
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