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Vacant DUMBO warehouses to be developed – Metro US

Vacant DUMBO warehouses to be developed

Empire Stores will be transformed into restaurant, retail and office space.

Warehouse buildings that have been sitting vacant along the waterfront in DUMBO for about 50 years will be developed into gleaming new commercial space, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced on Wednesday.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Board of Directors has chosen Midtown Equities to develop Empire Stores, transforming the massive, long-empty facility so its brick walls encase restaurant, retail and office space. The park board also signed off on a lease that will allow Brooklyn-based performing arts company St. Ann’s Warehouse to develop a theater in the historic Tobacco Warehouse just north of the bridge.

“Brooklyn Bridge Park is a prime example of our city’s commitment to sustainable design and development,” Parks and Recreation Commissioner Veronica M. White said. “The transformation of these formerly vacant stores will open up usable space for the community, and help to ensure that the park will continue to be well maintained for years to come.”

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