Details are beginning to trickle out regarding plans for the old Domino Sugar Refinery, which was purchased by Two Trees Management for $185 million in October 2012. The massive Williamsburg complex, which ceased operations in 2004, was previously purchased for by another developer who unsuccessfully tried to turn it into a residential and retail development. Now Jed Walentas, whose father started the company that largely transformed DUMBO, says his plans for the 11 acre property are coming into focus.
According the Wall Street Journal, Walentas intends to create enough office space to accommodate 3,000-4,000 workers, in addition to the residential units. "What we're trying really, really hard to do here is to mix in enough commercial office space to give this neighborhood and this community a sense of that feeling of vitality," Walentas tells the Journal.
But first he'll need approval from the Community Board and City Council, because the site was rezoned for residential use, not offices. And some wonder if the location is ideal, because the site is a half mile from the nearest subway stop. The East River Ferry, however, has a stop just 7 short blocks away. And Walentas says he's willing to take a loss on the office space in the short term—at a starting price of approximately $25 a square foot, the offices would be partially subsidized by the residential units.
And perhaps mindful of the robust opposition that the previous would-be developer encountered, Two Trees has actively sought input from the community before settling on any plans. Hydroponic farm and ice skating rink sound good to anyone? Here's what some local residents are hankering for:
And here are photos from a recent unauthorized exploration of the site.
