Farm-to-Table Eatery Coming to DUMBO Apartments
Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood has been a magnet for retail and restaurant businesses, landing a new eatery that's opening its first location there.
Brooklyn Bridge (Credit: Christoph Radtke via Creative Commons)
New York—Businesses are flocking to the up-and-coming Brooklyn neighborhood DUMBO, and this time the area is attracting a Manhattan-based eatery. Local restaurant Westville is opening its first Brooklyn spot, occupying more than 2,500 square feet at 81 Washington St. in the heart of DUMBO.
The property, a five-story building with loft-style residences and retail that was once a manufacturing warehouse, is owned by Two Trees Management Co., whose principal Jed Walentas said, “…we expect Westville will be a huge hit in the growing live-work DUMBO community. With 15,000 office workers, 5,000 residents and millions of annual tourists, DUMBO has quickly become a magnet for an impressive roster of restaurants and retailers.”
Aaron Gavios and Margaret Royer of Square Foot Realty represented Westville in the deal.
The eatery is known for its fresh produce and locally sourced meats, which it will be bringing to its new Brooklyn location opening later this year. Other businesses at the property include Recess DUMBO, a children’s recreation area run by local DUMBO parents, and Black & Rogue, a global wine shop.
Westville’s expansion into Brooklyn reflects a growing trend of retailers gaining interest in the neighborhood. Shake Shack, Equinox, Luke’s Lobster, Brooklyn Industries and Dig Inn, are just some that have moved into DUMBO.
In fact, planned retail property completions in New York are expected to nearly double last year’s levels, with Brooklyn outpacing Manhattan as the most active borough, according to Marcus & Millichap’s 2016 report on New York retail investment.
Two Trees, a family-owned business, is known for its integral role in transforming DUMBO from a neglected industrial waterfront area into a mixed-use community. The company’s holdings include 12 buildings in the area and it’s currently leasing 15,000 square feet of retail space at its 60 Water St. property, which is close to 81 Washington and the upcoming Empire Stores. Other projects include the 30-story luxury apartment complex Mercedes House, the Wythe Hotel and the planned redevelopment of the Domino Sugar Factory site in Williamsburg.
