Real estate investment firm RFR and Kushner Companies today announced that they have entered into a contract to acquire six properties in Brooklyn from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for $375 million. According to the press release (July 8, 2013), Jared Kushner (of Kushner Companies), Aby Rosen (of RFR), and Asher Abehsera (a former Two Trees Management Company executive) teamed up to purchase the portfolio of buildings which total 1.2 million square feet of commercial space. The buildings include:

• 117 Adams Street
• 175 Pearl Street
• 55 Prospect Street
• 81 Prospect Street
• 77 Sands Street
• 90 Sands Street

These buildings are included as part of the Brooklyn Tech Triangle master plan and could be key buildings in the development of the plan for creating appropriate commercial space and connectors between Dumbo, Navy Yards, and Downtown Brooklyn.

90 Sands Street is a 30 story, 500+ room residential building will be turned over vacant at closing in September, according to a NY Post story.

According to the Post, the Jehovah’s Witnesses moved their headquarters to Brooklyn in 1909. As part of their plans to move to Warwick, NY, they have been selling off a 34-building portfolio, including lots in Dumbo at 173 and 177 Front Street as well as 200 Water Street in April 2013.

(175 Pearl Street)

(90 Sands Street, Photo by a.pitch)

Related:
{The Watchtower Moving Some Operations from Brooklyn, 26Mar2009}
{Watchtower Properties in Dumbo?, 29Sept2011}
{Jehovah’s Witness Buildings Could Offset Brooklyn Bridge Park Costs, 08Oct2010}

Source: Dumbo NYC
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DumboNyc/~3/zlCNVc-KU9I/

The Fitness Guru opened their new gym at 215 Water Street (between Bridge and Jay Streets) on June 6, 2013. The 8,000 square foot gym includes two levels with areas for weights and various workout equipment, men and women’s shower and locker rooms, pilates area, and a huge spinning studio called Bike Brooklyn. The lower level includes a 360 degree monkey bar, barre, weights, and other equipment. The main level includes the workout equipment, locker rooms, pilates, weights, and a terraced Brooklyn Bike studio. Michael Feigin, the founder of The Fitness Guru (TFG), told us that he is interested in creating an accessible community space for members and unlike other gyms, avoids the revolving door membership of regular box gyms. TFG has boot camp, spin, barre, and other classes, and will be adding more. For schedule and info, go to fitnessgurunyc.com.

The Fitness Guru (fitnessgurunyc.com)
215 Water Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
facebook.com/TheFitnessGuru

Previously:
{The Fitness Guru and Bike Brooklyn to Open Fitness Center at 215 Water Street in Dumbo, 06Nov2012}

Source: Dumbo NYC
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DumboNyc/~3/e_pMgo94Q1g/