The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce held the 2008 Brooklyn Building Awards™ at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios on June 17. The event, in its eighth year, honored Mary Brennan, vice president of The Community Preservation Corporation and Mike Baker, manager of IKEA Brooklyn for their work and celebrated 17 recently completed construction and renovation projects that enrich Brooklyn's neighborhoods and economy.

“I am pleased that the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce presents these Building Brooklyn Awards as a symbol of Brooklyn’s continuing growth,” said Carl Hum, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “We are celebrating Brooklyn’s success as a destination for business, a borough of communities, and of course, great design. From our two honorees, who have had a direct impact on the communities they serve, to our 17 construction and renovation projects, which illustrate the varied and dynamic landscape of Brooklyn, these awards showcase the positive economic and social impact of thoughtful design in Brooklyn.”

“This year’s 17 Building Brooklyn Awards winners are distinctively Brooklyn,” said Cheryl Gladstone, director of real estate and development at the Chamber. “These 17 projects may vary in function, location and style, but each project has a socially responsible component to it. This sense of responsibility to Brooklyn’s history, community and culture is something that defines Brooklyn’s best architecture.”

"I am very honored to be the recipient of this award at a time when Brooklyn has become acknowledged as a great place to live, work and play,” said honoree Mary Brennan, senior vice president of The Community Preservation Corporation. “The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has been very effective in promoting the wonders of the communities that make up all that is Brooklyn."

“We are thrilled with the successful opening of IKEA Brooklyn last month and appreciative of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's recognition of our commitment to the local community," said Mike Baker, IKEA Brooklyn store manager.  "We are proud of the contributions IKEA has made in terms of jobs, a public waterfront esplanade, transportation options and a one-of-a-kind retail destination.”

The Building Brooklyn Awards (BBA) is the biggest event that showcases Brooklyn real estate and development projects.  It has become a highly anticipated event for the real estate and development community from Brooklyn and beyond. 
 
The Building Brooklyn Awards paid homage to a wide range of project types, budgets and neighborhoods.  The seventeen winning projects honored were: the Center for the Urban Environment (CUE), Glenmore Gardens, Crescendo, Floating Pool Lady, Brooklyn Central Library Entry Plaza & Auditorium, PS1/Bergen School Library, Poly Prep Lower School, 135 Joralemon Street, Public Plaza at the Marriott, State Renaissance Court, J Condominium, Greenbelt, 164 Atlantic, 14 Townhouses, Aviator Sports & Recreation, 377 Pacific Street, and Dig.

Click here for images of the seventeen winning projects.