Brooklyn's Progress
February 2004

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and its show management team have been busy setting the stage for a growing Brooklyn Designs 2004.

A jury of design professionals recently selected 45 exhibitors representing the very best of the borough’s furnishings designers.  “We were so pleased with the tremendous quality of all the submissions.  Many of last year’s exhibitors will be returning with their latest products, and they will be joined by an outstanding group of newcomers,” said Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

According to one returning exhibitor, Azy Schechter of Kea Carpets & Kilims, “Our company received amazing visibility from the show that has directly resulted in an increase in clients.  Brooklyn Designs was a solidly positive business experience.   We now have architects and designers from both Brooklyn and Manhattan visiting us throughout the year as a result of our exposure at show.”

This year, jurors for Brooklyn Designs’ selection process included representatives of Interior Design Magazine, Metropolitan Home, Dwell, Pratt Institute and Furniture New York.

Brooklyn Designs 2004 will take place at St. Ann’s Warehouse at 38 Water Street in DUMBO.  To accommodate the show’s growth, additional exhibition space has been donated by the newest addition to the sponsor line-up, Brooklyn-based Two Trees Management Company. The company and its president, David Walentas, the developer responsible for putting DUMBO on the map, will allow the use of the former Gale Gates Gallery at 37 Main Street.

Two Trees Management, founded in 1967, has developed, owned and managed more than $500 million in real estate. Over the past 15 years it has invested over $100 million in DUMBO, where it is the predominant property owner.

Also on board for Brooklyn Designs 2004 are the local chapters of the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association, as well as returning media sponsor Time Out New York.

Show hours for Brooklyn Designs 2004 have been set for Friday, April 30, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, May 1, 10 am – 7 pm; and Sunday, May 2, 10 am – 5 pm.  Pre-registered professional members of the design trade attend for free all day Friday.

Brooklyn Designs is supported by the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Legislature in cooperation with NYS Empire State Development Corporation, the Brooklyn City Council Delegation and the NYC Department of Small Business Services. For more information visit http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/ or contact Karen Auster at 718-875-1000 ext. 148.