The developers behind the Empire Stores redevelopment in DUMBO released new renderings of the 450,000 s/f project.
The waterfront complex is being adaptively restored by development firm Midtown Equities, in partnership with Rockwood Capital and HK Organization.
Along with new renderings of the building’s interiors, exteriors, rooftop and public spaces, they’ve also introduced several 3D interactive floor plans that allows for perspective tenants to digitally tour through the office space and outdoor areas.
The design plans for the Civil War era coffee warehouse once occupied by modern coffee industry pioneer, Arbuckle Coffee Roasters include restaurants, retail stores, office space and a rooftop park and beer garden,
The building’s 450-foot façade has been restored, and original details such as hoist wheels and shoots for transporting coffee, as well as existing stacked stone schist walls and pine pillars, have been preserved and incorporated into the overall design.
A passage will be carved out to create a central courtyard bordered on both sides by a marketplace comprised of restaurants and retail destinations.
A grass-topped glass addition will be installed on the rooftop creating two additional floors of office space with 14-foot-high ceilings, and outside, a public space with unobstructed and dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Scott Panzer and Howard Hersch from JLL are handling leasing for the 250,000 s/f of office space . “Empire Stores is the pre-eminent office offering in all of Brooklyn today. It combines within one building a full complement of 24/7  “Work and Play” with immediate proximity to the whole host of residential options.  Prior to the official marketing launch, we have had significant interest from several Tech and New or Digital Media Tenants as well as traditional publishing and advertising prospects looking for that old-world feel with contemporary uninterruptible infrastructure,” said Panzer, vice chairman, International Director at JLL
Anchor tenant West Elm will move their business headquarters and Brooklyn flagship retail location to Empire Stores and also open a concept store where they will test new products and operate a coffee shop in conjunction with  Brooklyn Roasters. West Elm has 14,595 s/f of retail space and 135,000 s/f of office space comprising of the 2nd floor and half of the 3rd floor.
The developers are also currently in talks with “top chefs and restaurateurs from around the globeˮ to occupy the waterfront and rooftop restaurant spaces.
“Aside from West Elm who is anchoring the retail at Empire Stores, we are in lease negotiations with top restaurateurs, market operators and apparel retailers looking to plant their flag in this dynamic neighborhood. Additionally, there will be a beer garden on the 5th floor adjacent to the publicly accessible rooftop park. Empire Stores will become an unrivaled retail destination in DUMBO and Brooklyn at large,” said  David Beare, Director of Leasing for Midtown Equities
In addition, Empire Stores will offer cultural exhibitions, such as contemporary art installations, and a museum dedicated to the building’s history.
The building is slated to hold silver level LEED certification and will feature state-of-the-art technology throughout. Site construction began in early 2014, with an expected completion in the third quarter of 2015.
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