The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce announced the 15 winners of the 2007 Building Brooklyn Awards.  The annual Building Brooklyn Awards recognize recently completed construction projects that have had a positive impact on the borough’s economy and quality of life.

“While the sheer number of projects going up in Brooklyn is impressive, we are seeing more thoughtful design with a larger economic impact. Our judging committee selected 15 outstanding projects that represent good design and a significant economic impact across the borough,” said Brooklyn Chamber Interim President & COO Mark Kessler. 

An independent, eight-member panel of Brooklyn-based architects, planners, economic development experts and city officials selected the winning projects.  Projects were judged on a list of criteria including: overall aesthetic and design, positive economic impact, improving the quality of life, providing critical neighborhood services and amenities, demonstrating a commitment to quality design and pre-existing architectural character, and demonstrating an aesthetic sensitivity to the surrounding community. 

The Brooklyn Chamber is proud to announce the 15 winning projects that will be honored on July 18 at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard: 

DESIGN AWARDS 

The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA) in the Arts & Culture category: This 2,000 square foot renovation project is the first and only Black art museum within the Borough of Brooklyn. It is the first public arts institution to open within the new BAM LDC Cultural District.  (Fort Greene)

New Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA in Community Facility category: This 20,000 square foot facility includes a community meeting room, indoor and outdoor social spaces, new and expanded classroom space, a new fitness center, administrative offices, five locker rooms, and a new aerobics studio.  (Bedford-Stuyvesant)

Academic Village – Kingsborough Community College in the Higher Education category:  The Academic Village consists of 43,000 square feet. It provides space for the expansion of two academic departments, community outreach programs, a day care center, computer labs, and classrooms. (Manhattan Beach)

Feil Hall – Brooklyn Law School in the Dormitory category: Designed by Robert A.M. Stern, Feil Hall, Brooklyn Law School’s new 290,000 square foot residence call and conference center, provides spacious, affordable, and convenient campus housing for approximately 360 students. (Downtown Brooklyn)

PS/IS 395 in the Primary Education category: The new 140,000 square foot construction is comprised of two schools with a shared gymnasium, auditorium, library and kitchen-dining room.  (East Flatbush)

West Elm Corporate Offices in the Office category: This 50,000 square foot project has been transformed into the headquarters office for this home furnishings retailer. (DUMBO)

Brooklyn Supreme & Family Courthouse in the Civic Works category: At 32 stories high and over 1.1 million square feet in space, the Courthouse is New York State’s largest and most programmatically complex courthouse and office building. (Downtown Brooklyn)

South Slope Condominiums in the Residential – 1 to 5 Dwellings category:  This 3-story, 3-family residential development is the first Energy Star-rated project in Brooklyn. (Greenwood Heights)

277 Gates Avenue in the Residential – Affordable category:  The newly rehabilitated building contains 35 affordable housing units and saved the building from foreclosure. (Bedford-Stuyvesant)

The Imperial in the Residential – Affordable category: The renovation converted the Montrose Morris-designed building into apartments for low- and moderate-income families. (Bedford-Stuyvesant)

L3 Condominiums in the Residential – Multi Family category:  L3 Condominiums is a multi-family residence comprised of two new buildings for a total of 12 units. (Gowanus/Carroll Gardens)

One Girl Cookies in the Retail category: The interior renovation of a 1,400 square foot space now includes a retail area, large kitchen, office, cookie bar, and café. (Boerum Hill) 

ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARDS

NY Marriott Hotel at Brooklyn Bridge in the Economic Impact category: The $42 million dollar, 194,000 square foot expansion has created an additional 280 guest rooms, created 50 permanent jobs, and created first-class retail space. (Downtown Brooklyn)

Twin Marquis Inc. in the Economic Impact category: This 75,000 square foot, $3.5 million dollar capital improvement has converted vacant buildings into a complete food manufacturing facility.  (Williamsburg) 

DESIGN & ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARD

Red Hook Stores in the Mixed-Use category: The project includes the 52,000 square foot Fairway Market, a 22,000 square foot food preparation area, office space, and 45 apartments, several which are live-work spaces and artist studios. (Red Hook) 

In addition to recognizing these 15 projects, the Chamber will also honor Andrew Kimball, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), and Joshua Muss, principal of Muss Development at this year’s event. 

For more information about the winning projects and the BBA event, click here or call Cheryl Gladstone at 718-875-1000 ext. 142.