David Stark Design claims Prologis Bushwick building – New York Post

Report on Urban Redevelopment and Sustainable Economic Growth in Brooklyn

Executive Summary

This report details two significant commercial real estate transactions in Brooklyn, New York, analyzing their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The projects at 280 Johnson Avenue in Bushwick and 499 President Street in Gowanus exemplify progress towards creating sustainable cities, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Case Study: 280 Johnson Avenue, Bushwick

Project Overview

• Property: 31,500 square-foot industrial building
• Location: 280 Johnson Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn
• Owner: Prologis
• Tenant: David Stark Design and Production
• Key Development: The property underwent a full-scale rehabilitation and modernization to enhance operational efficiency and contemporary functionality.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The redevelopment project directly supports SDG 9 by upgrading and retrofitting an existing industrial property. Prologis’s strategic commitment to repositioning urban industrial assets enhances infrastructure resilience and promotes sustainable industrialization through improved operational efficiency.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: By providing a modernized, world-class facility for a creative agency like David Stark, the project fosters sustained and inclusive economic growth. It supports the creative economy, a vital sector for urban job creation, and provides a foundation for the company’s continued operations and employment.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The revitalization of an existing industrial building within an urban core is a key tenet of sustainable urban development. This approach utilizes existing infrastructure, reduces urban sprawl, and contributes to the economic and creative vibrancy of the Bushwick community, making it more inclusive and resilient.

Case Study: 499 President Street, Gowanus

Project Overview

• Property: 40,000 square feet of newly leased retail space within a 350-unit residential building.
• Location: 499 President Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn
• Developers: Brodsky and Avery Hall
• New Tenants:
  • Union Market (flagship grocery store)
  • Corto (Italian cafe)
  • Spear Physical Therapy

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This mixed-use development is a prime example of building inclusive and sustainable communities. By integrating essential retail and services such as a grocery store and healthcare facility directly into a residential project, it creates a walkable neighborhood, reduces reliance on transportation, and enhances the quality of life for residents.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The establishment of new businesses, including a flagship grocery store, a cafe, and a physical therapy clinic, generates local employment opportunities. This diversification of the local economy contributes to robust and resilient economic growth within the Gowanus neighborhood.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The project promotes community well-being by providing convenient access to fresh food through Union Market and healthcare services via Spear Physical Therapy. This integration of health-focused amenities into the community fabric directly supports the goal of ensuring healthy lives for all residents.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on real estate development in Bushwick and Gowanus connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting urban renewal, economic growth, and infrastructure development.

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article discusses the leasing of large commercial spaces to various businesses, including a creative agency (David Stark Design and Production), a high-end grocery store (Union Market), an Italian cafe (Corto), and a healthcare provider (Spear Physical Therapy). The establishment and expansion of these businesses contribute to local economic activity and job creation.
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The “full-scale rehab and modernization” of the industrial building at 280 Johnson Avenue directly relates to upgrading infrastructure. The focus on “contemporary functionality, operational efficiency and flexible floor layouts” points towards creating resilient and innovative industrial spaces that support economic development.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The content focuses on urban development through the repositioning of industrial properties and the creation of new mixed-use buildings. The project at 499 President, which includes “350 rental apartments” and retail spaces, addresses the need for housing and access to services in urban areas, contributing to making cities more inclusive and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the activities described, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 8.3 (under SDG 8): “Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation…” The article provides a clear example of this by describing how real estate development is creating spaces for a “world-class design firm like David Stark” and other small to medium-sized enterprises (Union Market, Corto) to operate and grow.
   • Target 9.1 (under SDG 9): “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being…” The renovation of the 31,500 square-foot industrial building at 280 Johnson Avenue is a direct example of upgrading local infrastructure to support economic activity. The mention of “excellent regional connectivity” also aligns with this target.
   • Target 11.1 (under SDG 11): “By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.” The article explicitly mentions the creation of “350 rental apartments” and “thousands of new homes” in Gowanus. Furthermore, the leasing of space to a grocery store (Union Market) and a physical therapy clinic (Spear Physical Therapy) demonstrates the provision of basic services to the community.
   • Target 11.3 (under SDG 11): “By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.” Prologis’s strategy to “reposition urban industrial properties” is a form of sustainable urbanization, as it involves revitalizing existing urban land rather than expanding into new areas. This represents integrated planning that combines industrial, commercial, and residential uses within the city.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article provides several quantitative and qualitative data points that can serve as indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets.

   • Indicator for Target 8.3: The number of new businesses established or leasing space can be used as a proxy for entrepreneurship and job creation. The article names four specific new tenants (David Stark, Union Market, Corto, Spear Physical Therapy).
   • Indicator for Target 9.1: The amount of industrial and commercial space renovated or newly developed is a direct measure of infrastructure improvement. The article specifies “31,500 square-foot” for the industrial building and “40,000 square feet” for the retail space.
   • Indicator for Target 11.1: The number of new housing units created is a key indicator. The article states “350 rental apartments” are part of the 499 President project and references “thousands of new homes” being built in the area. The number of new basic services can also be tracked, with the article identifying a new grocery store and a physical therapy clinic.
   • Indicator for Target 11.3: The area of repurposed urban land could serve as an indicator for sustainable urbanization. The article mentions the redevelopment of the industrial property at 280 Johnson Avenue and the mixed-use project at 499 President as examples.

SDG Analysis Summary Table

Source: nypost.com