Brooklyn Tower

Brooklyn Tower

Company type	Mixed-use skyscraper
Industry	Real estate development
Founded	2018
Founder	JDS Development Group
Headquarters	Brooklyn, New York City , United States
Area served	Downtown Brooklyn, New York City
Key people	Michael Stern (developer), Larry Silverstein (management takeover)
Products	Residential condominiums and rentals, retail and commercial space
Owner	JDS Development Group (original), Silverstein Properties (management since 2024)

The Brooklyn Tower—also referred to as 340 Flatbush Avenue Extension and 9 DeKalb Avenue—is a supertall skyscraper featuring mixed-use spaces, situated in Downtown Brooklyn, New York City. Developed by JDS Development Group, the tower rises near the intersection of DeKalb Avenue and Flatbush Avenue. This 74-story residential high-rise, designed by SHoP Architects, was built between 2018 and 2022. Its base incorporates the historic Dime Savings Bank Building, a designated New York City landmark originally created by Mowbray and Uffinger in the early twentieth century.

As Brooklyn’s inaugural supertall structure and its tallest edifice, it also holds the distinction of being the highest building in New York City outside Manhattan. The bank building is characterized by its white marble exterior, complete with colonnades, a diagonal portico facing Albee Square, and a domed roof. Inside, the hexagonal rotunda is utilized for retail purposes. The entire development offers around of amenity space, some of which is housed within the preserved bank structure. The tower contains approximately 150 condominiums alongside 425 rental units, amounting to roughly .

Originally constructed from 1906 to 1908 for the Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn, the bank building underwent expansion during 1931–1932 under Halsey, McCormack and Helmer. JDS Development Group acquired the property in 2014 and commenced construction of the Brooklyn Tower as an addition in 2018. The tower reached its full height in October 2021, with condominium sales beginning in 2022; by early 2024, 18 units had been sold. After JDS defaulted on its loan, Silverstein Properties, led by Larry Silverstein, took over management of the remaining unsold condominiums in June 2024.

Site

Situated at 9 DeKalb Avenue and 340 Flatbush Avenue Extension within Downtown Brooklyn, New York City, the Brooklyn Tower occupies most of a triangular block bordered by Fleet Street, DeKalb Avenue, and Flatbush Avenue Extension. It faces a pedestrian plaza at Albee Square and extends around 33 DeKalb Avenue on its southeast side. The parcel covers , featuring frontage along Flatbush Avenue and extending to a depth of .

Nearby developments include the three towers comprising City Point to the west and One Willoughby Square located one block away. Across Flatbush Avenue Extension lies the LIU Brooklyn campus, which includes the historic Brooklyn Paramount Theater. The tower is also positioned close to the DeKalb Avenue subway station, which serves several subway lines.

The Brooklyn Tower exceeded previous height records in Brooklyn—surpassing buildings such as Brooklyn Point and 11 Hoyt—reaching its peak height in July 2021. Standing about 350 feet taller than Brooklyn Point, it became Brooklyn’s tallest structure as of 2022.

Architecture

The project was developed by Michael Stern’s JDS Development Group. The building consists of two primary elements: its base incorporates the historic Dime Savings Bank Building designed by Mowbray and Uffinger. Originally constructed between 1906 and 1908 with an expansion from 1931 to 1932, this structure exhibits Classical Revival architecture. Adjacent to it rises a , 74-story tower crafted by SHoP Architects. This skyscraper ranks as the tallest in Brooklyn, tallest physically on Long Island, and tallest in New York City outside Manhattan. Structural engineering was undertaken by WSP Global, while mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were engineered by Jaros, Baum & Bolles. Construction was managed by JDS Construction, the developer’s internal contracting division.

Form

The original bank structure is characterized by a hexagonal footprint with chamfered corners located at the north, southwest, and southeast points. Initially, its dimensions were , along Fleet Street, , at Albee Square, and , on DeKalb Avenue. These measurements were subsequently enlarged to , facing Fleet Street; , on the portico side toward Albee Square; and , along DeKalb Avenue. The Dime Savings Bank is presently being transformed into retail space within the skyscraper development.

The building’s residential entry opens onto Fleet Street, whereas retail entrances are positioned on Flatbush Avenue Extension. Glass doorways flanking both sides of the tower units lead into an atrium space. The hexagonal shape of the tower reflects the rotunda motif found on the bank’s ground floor. Each of its six facets incorporates subtle setbacks, which rise to form a distinctive crown at the top.

Dime Savings Bank

The facade of the Dime Savings Bank showcases a pink granite water table beneath a white marble exterior, designed to symbolize strength and permanence. Notably, it was the first bank building in the United States to be clad entirely in Pentelic marble, utilizing approximately 2,000 tons in its construction. The structure is topped with a prominent parapet above the attic on the fifth floor. The rear elevation and an eastern attic segment are constructed with buff-colored brick laid in common bond. The rooftop features a smooth marble dome supported by modillions and a hexagonal tholobate adorned with acroteria.

At the southwest corner, a tetrastyle Ionic portico faces the pedestrian plaza of Albee Square. This portico is supported by four Ionic columns bearing a frieze inscribed with "The Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn" and capped by a triangular pediment. Behind these columns, a stoop ascends to a multi-story marble-framed entrance containing double doors separated by a paneled trumeau that depicts imagery including the Brooklyn Bridge, Mercury, and the building’s address "No. 9". Above these doors are transom grilles featuring motifs of Mercury and industry, surmounted by an entablature, acroteria, and an expansive transom window. The soffit of the portico contains hexagonal panels, while the pediment displays Lee Lawrie’s sculptural group from 1931–1932 titled "Morning and Evening of Life," symbolizing youth and old age.

The facades along Fleet Street and DeKalb Avenue are nearly mirror images, each segmented by colonnades of fluted Ionic columns that divide the elevations into bays filled with tall glazed windows. Beneath these windows sit bronze spandrel panels decorated with heads and floral designs, while carved fruit garlands crown each window opening. Above the colonnades lies an attic story featuring window openings separated by pilasters topped with a Greek key frieze.

End bays frame both colonnades; these contain metal-framed windows set between marble pilasters ornamented with rams' heads and fruit garlands. The capitals of these pilasters incorporate Greek key motifs. On DeKalb Avenue’s eastern end stands an archway flanked by quarter columns; below this arch are aluminum doors with bronze transoms set within a marble archway inscribed with the building’s name alongside a dime topped by Mercury's figure. The keystone of this arch depicts Mercury’s head, with an additional end bay extending further east.

Tower

The tower’s exterior is clad in stone, bronze, and stainless steel materials, featuring hexagonal shafts integrated throughout its facade. Its design draws heavily from the Dime Savings Bank Building, particularly mirroring the hexagonal form of the original banking hall which influenced the tower’s overall massing. Gregg Pasquarelli, lead architect at SHoP Architects, described the concept as simultaneously "bold" and "refined," aiming to honor the historic landmark without merely replicating it.

Stone cladding at the tower’s base complements that of the bank structure below, while the facade gradually darkens as it rises upward. Vertical mullions correspond to the spacing of the bank’s columns; these elements extend outward from the glass curtain wall and feature sharp edges that produce a staggered effect across the surface. Viewed from certain perspectives, two adjoining sides align visually as one plane—a design gesture reminiscent of iconic Art Deco skyscrapers such as the Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center. Pasquarelli even compared this residential tower to being Brooklyn’s answer to the Empire State Building.

Interior

The Brooklyn Tower encompasses up to of commercial space. Retail offerings consist of a single unit on the lower level along with the bank’s first through fourth floors, collectively totaling approximately , plus a second retail unit measuring around . The tower’s third floor is dedicated to commercial office space, while the fourth floor houses a fitness center spanning both the tower and bank. Residential interiors were crafted by Gachot Studios, whereas interior designer Krista Ninivaggi and landscape architect HMWhite designed the amenity areas.

Banking hall

Originally, the banking hall was adorned with green marble and featured flooring made from gray Vermont marble paired with cream plaster walls. The main chamber was crowned by a 40-foot stained-glass dome and secured by a 15-ton vault door that required floor modifications to operate. The boardroom was positioned at the rear of the space, and a now-defunct shooting range was located in the subbasement.

Currently, the triangular banking hall spans 160 feet on each side, covering with a ceiling height of 40 feet. It showcases seven varieties of marble, including star-shaped and hexagonal patterns integrated into the floors and ceilings. When in use, pink and black marble teller counters lined the perimeter. The walls combine sandstone with decorative friezes featuring silver dimes, while fluted pilasters frame tall windows. Six bronze chandeliers hang from the intricately coffered ceiling.

A 1931–32 expansion introduced a central rotunda supported by twelve red marble Corinthian columns embellished with gilded dime medallions. These columns uphold a multicolored entablature beneath a dome painted sky blue. Surrounding the base are pink marble benches centered by a three-faced bronze clock mounted on a black marble pedestal encircled by an additional marble bench.

At the southwest corner, marble columns flank the main entrance; meanwhile, the southeast corner features columns framing a staircase that descends to a triangular lobby and vestibule facing DeKalb Avenue. These areas display marble wainscoting, scalloped pilasters, Greek-key cornices, ornamental screens, bronze grilles, and coffered ceilings. Above this lies the Ladies’ Lounge overlooking the banking hall, distinguished by hexagonal patterned flooring, marble wainscoting, wallpapered walls, and a multicolored cornice.

Lobby and amenities

The residential lobby on Fleet Street rises two stories high and is finished with white oak walls and wood veneers. Designed by Woods Bagot, it reflects elements of the banking hall through milled wooden panels, slatted details, stone surfaces, and a vaulted ceiling.

The building offers of amenity space primarily situated on the fifth and sixth floors. The fifth floor features an outdoor terrace encircling the bank’s dome alongside three rooftop swimming pools. Adjacent to these pools is The Dome Pool and Terrace cocktail bar and lounge. Inside the fitness center is a fourth pool equipped with a whirlpool as well as a lap pool. Additional amenities include conference rooms, meeting spaces, dining facilities, kitchen areas, billiards room, and movie theater. The gym covers over and is operated by Life Time Fitness. Above this area lies a mechanical space with a height of .

Further recreational options include a basketball court located on the 66th floor—promoted as the highest residential court worldwide—with design cues inspired by the nearby Barclays Center. This level also contains a dog run, foosball area, and outdoor playground. Fully open on all sides to allow wind flow, the 66th floor helps mitigate building sway. An 85th-floor lounge completes the suite of upper-level amenities.

Tower units

The tower comprises roughly 150 condominiums alongside 425 rental apartments, amounting to a total of approximately . Residential condominiums start from the 52nd or 53rd floor, situated more than above ground level. Before the building's completion in 2022, three model units were furnished with unique interior designs for demonstration purposes. The available apartments range in size from studios to three-bedroom layouts.

In 2015, developers sought tax incentives through New York's 421-a tax exemption program, agreeing to designate a minimum of 20% of the units as affordable housing. Eventually, 30% of the apartments were set aside as affordable through the state's lottery allocation process. These affordable units predominantly consist of studios and one-bedroom apartments intended for households earning up to 130% of the area's median income; only 19 affordable units include more than one bedroom.

The interiors showcase finishes such as marble, bronze, and stainless steel that complement the tower’s exterior aesthetic. Each unit is equipped with mahogany-stained wooden doors featuring brass hardware, brass wall sconces, and doorways framed in black granite. Kitchens are outfitted with bronze detailing and high-end Miele appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and washer-dryer units. Cabinetry combines black and bronze tones with countertops crafted from marble or black granite, designed without handles to promote an open-concept feel. Bathrooms are adorned with hexagonal floor tiles, marble-clad walls, and glass sconces mounted on medicine cabinets. The condominiums feature full-height windows reaching tall. Thanks to the hexagonal shape of the tower, most apartment walls are angled rather than parallel.

Construction

Founded in 1859, the Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn derived its name from allowing customers to open accounts with just a dime. During the late nineteenth century, the bank’s headquarters moved multiple times as Brooklyn expanded. By the early twentieth century, Brooklyn had become part of Greater New York City, with commercial development extending eastward from Brooklyn Borough Hall into areas such as Albee Square. In September 1905, the bank revealed plans for a new headquarters at the intersection of DeKalb Avenue and Fleet Street after purchasing an irregularly shaped lot for $230,000.

Construction commenced in 1906 following architectural plans by Mowbray and Uffinger, with John Thatcher and Sons serving as general contractors. The structure incorporated Pentelic marble sourced from an English consortium that had recently reopened ancient quarries. The total project investment was $600,000 including land acquisition. The New-York Tribune highlighted this bank as the first major institution to establish itself beyond DeKalb Avenue—then primarily a shopping area south of this street. The Dime Savings Bank officially occupied its new DeKalb Avenue premises on December 19, 1908.

Growth and Later Developments

In 1918, the Dime Savings Bank expanded its headquarters under the direction of Russell S. Walker, adding an extension at 67–73 Fleet Street to complement the original structure located at DeKalb Avenue and Fleet Street. The institution inaugurated its first branch in Bensonhurst in 1929, followed by another in Flatbush three years later. To accommodate further expansion, the architectural firm Halsey, McCormack and Helmer (currently known as Mancini Duffy) undertook a significant enlargement of the central branch between 1931 and 1932. This project received an "outstanding building" accolade from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, alongside recognition for the contractor, William Kennedy Construction Company. In September 1941, Dime obtained authorization to offer life insurance services and constructed a five-story annex with a basement along Flatbush Avenue Extension to house this new division and enlarge office space.

By 1944, Dime had established a permanent homebuyers' exhibit on its sixth floor, which attracted more than 42,000 visitors during its inaugural year. By 1949, the exhibit was relocated to the main floor near the rotunda, drawing an audience of approximately 250,000 over five years. The bank also organized various events such as a 1954 orchid exhibition and a 1962 display featuring Pablo Picasso’s pottery and posters. In 1956, Dime became the only bank in New York City to operate Saturday sidewalk teller windows at its 9 DeKalb Avenue branch and updated the homebuyers' exhibit in 1957.

Architectural critic Paul Goldberger lauded the Dime Savings Bank Building in 1986 as an exemplary model of urban design. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission conducted hearings in June 1993 regarding landmark designation for both the bank’s facade and interior; official landmark status was granted on July 19, 1994. The bank was acquired by Washington Mutual in 2002 and later became part of JPMorgan Chase following their acquisition in 2008. Today, the historic building at 9 DeKalb Avenue operates as a JPMorgan Chase branch.

Acquisition of Site

In 2004, rezoning approved by the New York City Department of City Planning for sections of Downtown Brooklyn facilitated substantial increases in office space and ground-floor retail opportunities, as demonstrated by projects such as City Point.<ref> In late 2013, JDS and Joseph Chetrit's Chetrit Group entered into a contract to purchase 340 Flatbush Avenue Extension—a six-story office property adjacent to the Dime Savings Bank building—with the transaction closing in June 2014 at $43.5 million.<ref>

JDS and Chetrit also pursued acquisition of a two-story property at the intersection of DeKalb and Flatbush Avenues, occupied by the well-known cheesecake establishment Junior's, intending to utilize its air rights for an additional approximately twenty stories.<ref> Owner Alan Rosen listed this Junior's location for sale in early 2014 with a stipulation that the restaurant remain operational on-site. Despite receiving a higher $45 million bid that would have resulted in Junior's displacement, Rosen rejected this offer by September 2014 following public opposition.<ref>

At the same time, JPMorgan Chase contemplated selling air rights from the Dime Savings Bank property to JDS and Chetrit in April 2014, potentially providing about or thirty stories’ worth of developable space.<ref> If all air rights on this block were consolidated, it could enable construction of a skyscraper exceeding one thousand feet in height.<ref>

By mid-2014, submitted plans revealed intentions for a seventy-story residential tower reaching approximately 775 feet tall. The design was commissioned from SHoP Architects and represented the third collaboration between JDS and SHoP following projects like 111 West 57th Street and the American Copper Buildings.<ref><ref>

Financing and approval

In December 2015, Fortress Investment Group extended a $115 million loan to JDS and the Chetrit Group to facilitate the acquisition of the site and refinance existing debt associated with the Dime Savings Bank property. The bank was anticipated to fetch a price exceeding $100 million. That same month, JDS and Chetrit purchased the Dime Savings Bank Building from JPMorgan Chase for $90 million, utilizing refinancing proceeds. This transaction reflected a wider movement toward transforming former banking institutions into residential developments.

By early 2016, JDS and Chetrit unveiled an updated design, slightly increasing the tower’s height to 1,066 feet while scaling back retail space. The land-use committee of Brooklyn Community Board 2 promptly endorsed the revised proposal. Because the project involved alterations to the landmarked bank structure, approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) was necessary and was secured in April 2016. Planned changes included removing non-original extensions, restoring marble and copper features, and demolishing a section at the rear of the bank to accommodate the new residential tower. Although there were some concerns raised regarding the building’s height and shadow impact, overall community resistance remained limited.

In February 2017, Bank OZK together with Melody Finance provided a $135 million bridge and pre-development loan that replaced Fortress’s financing as well as earlier funds from Kushner Companies. Foundation construction commenced in June 2017. By August 2018, JDS injected an additional $60 million in equity capital to acquire Chetrit’s share, thereby assuming full ownership. Thirty percent of the residences were designated as affordable housing units, which qualified JDS for a 35-year tax abatement. Nonetheless, real estate analysts expressed doubts about buyers’ willingness to meet the average asking price of $2,300 per square foot given the building’s location outside Manhattan’s premium neighborhoods where prices can be nearly three times higher.

Construction

The erection of the above-ground structural frame began in mid-2018. In November that year, Silverstein Properties’ debt fund Silverstein Capital pursued a $240 million mezzanine loan to complement $400 million in senior debt. This financing closed in April 2019 alongside a $424.1 million senior loan from Otéra Capital, bringing total debt to $664.1 million. Despite increasing caution among banks regarding financing luxury apartments due to fears of market saturation, lenders were attracted by the complexity of this development. The COVID-19 pandemic caused approximately a four-month delay in project completion. By November 2020, the concrete core had reached 28 stories and curtain wall installation began in December. The tower passed its midpoint in April 2021 and exceeded 721 feet by July, securing its status as Brooklyn’s tallest structure.

The building topped out on October 28, 2021. Sales were expected to launch early in 2022 with a temporary certificate of occupancy anticipated by year-end. Following topping out, global supply chain disruptions hindered finishing work and delayed delivery of hardware components. By February 2022, the facade had advanced to the upper residential levels. That month also saw Chetrit file suit against JDS claiming $17.9 million remained unpaid after selling his stake more than three years prior. Condominium sales commenced in March 2022 for units above the 52nd floor with prices ranging from $875,000 studios to $8 million four-bedroom residences. While some purchasers expressed caution due to concerns stemming from issues at Manhattan’s 432 Park Avenue, market experts maintained a positive outlook on sales momentum.

Although exterior construction was largely finalized by 2022, the project did not obtain its permanent Certificate of Occupancy until April 25, 2025. Prior to that date, occupancy was permitted only under temporary certificates as interior spaces and core amenities continued undergoing completion.

Completion and Opening

In early 2022, broker Jackie Totolo was engaged to promote the retail spaces. By May, Life Time Fitness secured its position as the initial commercial tenant, leasing space for a fitness center and coworking facility, while also overseeing the building's amenity areas under its lease agreement. The construction crane was dismantled by April 2022, and by June, installation of facade panels on the crown had commenced. Most of the facade work was completed by October 2022. Although JDS intended to begin accepting rental applications in August 2022, this process had yet to start by October. The crown reached completion in February 2023.

Stern listed the 368 rental apartments along with retail space for $600–700 million in March 2023, expecting to obtain a temporary certificate of occupancy. A housing lottery for 120 middle-income units was launched in April. Amenity areas were projected to open during 2024.

In December 2023, Silverstein Capital Partners took over the building’s senior loan from Otéra Capital. Podium construction carried on into early 2024 as tenant move-ins began. Early that year, a studio apartment sold for more than , setting a new record in Brooklyn. Rental units were marketed at prices exceeding $5,000 monthly. However, in March 2024, JDS defaulted on a $240 million mezzanine loan; Silverstein subsequently announced intentions to sell both retail and rental components through foreclosure. At that time, only 18 out of 148 condominiums had been sold. Foreclosure proceedings were paused in June to allow for settlement negotiations, culminating in Silverstein purchasing the unsold apartments from JDS for $672 million in July.

Podium work continued throughout late 2024, with Silverstein aiming to restart condo sales by early 2025. By March 2025, between 19 and 23 condos had been sold; some residents reported visiting unoccupied units to enjoy the views. Life Time reduced its leased space to a health club spanning seven floors. In June 2025, condo sales resumed with Corcoran Sunshine appointed as broker. At that point, the fitness center had not yet opened; early occupants were provided with off-site gym memberships and partial credits toward common charges.

Reception

Following its completion, Wallpaper magazine lauded the Brooklyn Tower’s architectural design as "a sublime mix of interlocking forms and cascading setbacks," while Architectural Digest characterized it as "neo Art Deco." A CNN correspondent emphasized its dramatic influence on Brooklyn’s skyline, highlighting its towering height and distinctive black fluted stainless steel exterior. Nevertheless, during construction some real estate experts expressed skepticism about the tower’s fit within Brooklyn, suggesting it might be more appropriate for Manhattan’s Billionaires' Row. Writers from The Architect's Newspaper and The Financial Times noted local comparisons likening the structure to the Tower of Sauron from Lord of the Rings, referencing its formidable presence.

Architectural critic Justin Davidson remarked in Curbed (August 2023) that the lower facade exudes "Baroque intensity," whereas the upper floors feature dynamic patterns generating a "restless energy." He identified inspirations such as the Seagram Building, Woolworth Building, and Dime Savings Bank Building. Davidson underscored that both the Brooklyn Tower and 130 William Street embody not only affluence but also an architectural ideology that embraces urban character. Alexandra Lange of Bloomberg News connected this tower and nearby 100 Flatbush to New York City’s 1930s Art Deco architecture. Cara Greenberg from Dezeen credited the Brooklyn Tower with revitalizing Brooklyn’s skyline and overcoming its historical sense of inferiority compared to Manhattan.

In 2022, Woods Bagot’s interior design for the tower’s residential lobby and amenities received recognition in Interior Design magazine’s Best of Year Awards under "Multi-Family Residence." In 2024, The Brooklyn Tower earned the Award of Excellence for "Best Tall Building 300 Meters and Above" from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

See also

• List of tallest buildings in Brooklyn
• List of tallest buildings in New York City
• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn

External links

• Official SHoP Architects website