Kushner Companies, LIVWRK and RFR Realty, announced the launch of a “Smart Space” Program at their DUMBO Heights campus.
The program is aimed at growing tenants, such as those in incubator spaces, who often see their real estate needs transitioning into a more traditional format that would previously have required longer lease terms, pricey buildouts and a commitment to what could prove to be too much space.
The Smart Space Program offers pre-built spaces that range between just 800 and 6,000 square feet. All tenants have access to shared conference rooms and a pantry on the same floor, designed to maximize collaboration and interactivity. The shared facilities are equipped with high-speed Wifi, white boards and smart TVs.
Smart Space tenants, who have the option to lease furnished spaces, also have access to a common roof deck, public plazas and outdoor dining areas. In addition to the shared amenities, cleaning is included and each space will come fully wired with polished concrete floors, exposed ceilings and pendant lights.
“Our goal is to give tenants everything they want and need without the hassle of procuring it themselves. They sign a seven page lease and show up and can start working in the simplicity of pre-built space. This will allow tenants to focus on building and growing a successful business,” said Jared Kushner, CEO of Kushner Companies.
“Smaller sized tenants can’t always predict their space needs far into the future, so we believe this flexible program will have immense appeal, especially in conjunction with the amenities it will offer.”
Asher Abehsera, CEO of LIVWRK, said: “New York City has nurtured hundreds of startups and small businesses through a network of incubator and shared spaces. Many are located within the Brooklyn Tech Triangle, where our DUMBO Heights campus sits. As these businesses grow, so do their real estate needs. The Smart Space Program will serve them in a way not previously seen.”
At the DUMBO Heights campus — five buildings totaling 1.2 million square feet of office and retail space — the initial Smart Space Program will launch across 31 units on the 2nd through 4th floors of 55 Prospect Street. The program will launch this Fall, with more floors and spaces to be added.
The five buildings that make up the DUMBO Heights campus were acquired in 2013. Kushner Companies, in partnership with RFR and LIVWRK, have undertaken $100 million in renovations and upgrades that will convert it to Class A creative office space and 80,000 square feet of retail space.
Smart Space tenants will join a growing roster of office tenants at the complex, including WeWork, which will occupy a total of 160,000 s/f at 81 Prospect Street and 77 Sands Street, Etsy, which is moving its headquarters into 200,000 s/f of space in the entirety of 117 Adams Street and one floor at 55 Prospect Street as well as frog Design and Alexis Bittar.
