Neighborhood on Oh No DoBro

Do we suck? Curbed thinks so.

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:21:04 +0000

“That’s why we got haters, that’s why we got haters
Haters everywhere we go, haters everywhere we go”

– B.o.B

Justin Davidson, writing about the architecture of Downtown Brooklyn for Curbed:

Discount Grocery Store LIDL opens its doors in Downtown Brooklyn

Thu, 29 May 2025 12:44:12 +0000

The new Lidl grocery store at 490 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn opened its doors on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. It feels like it happened in the blink of an eye—or maybe everything seems fast in the dark shadow of the slow-moving slug that is the never-finished 9 Dekalb.

I popped into the store the other day to check out the new location and snap some pictures. Here are some first impressions:

Prices are great, making this store a welcome edition to the neighborhood
Selection is mid—this isn’t the type of grocery store that will have every specific item you’re looking for. However, you should be able to find most categories of items you need, just not necessarily specific brands.
The store was full of shoppers on the Saturday I popped by. People are excited it’s now here!
It’s larger than you might expect from the outside. It’s definitely a full-sized grocery store
The produce section was full of fresh-looking items.

I did not do a side-by-side price comparison for specific items that can be found at competing nearby stores. So I can’t speak to the specifics of the “discount” claims. But overall it did seem to be priced competitively for the neighborhood.

I’ll definitely be curious to see how Lidl stacks up against the upcoming Fresh Grocer opening right across the street.

What’s the opposite of a Food Desert? A Food Oasis? Because that’s exactly what Downtown Brooklyn has become.

I’ll drop a few more photos at the end of this post to help celebrate the store’s opening.

Even more luxury apartments coming as Jay Group scores $105M loan

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:28:42 +0000

Screenshot of Google Maps

Sure, the west side of Flatbush has a huge selection of new luxury apartments. But what about the east side?

Cinephiles rejoice! Alamo Drafthouse strike ends with success

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 22:02:06 +0000

Photograph by [Alamo Drafthouse][1]

If you visited City Point mall recently, you likely spotted striking workers distributing flyers outside Alamo Drafthouse. Good news: after nearly two months, the strike has ended with a victory for the union!

Albee Square getting even more food options with new Fresh Grocer

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 13:03:33 +0000

Brooklyn Tower is basically a giant slug

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:04:45 +0000

Some people look at Brooklyn Tower—the supertall skyscraper in Downtown Brooklyn—and see the Tower of Sauron. To me, it’s more like a giant slug with movement so slow it’s nearly imperceptible.

Construction started in 2018 (earlier, if you count the demolition of the previous building) and residents started moving in in 2022. But slow sales caused JDS Development to default on its loan, stalling construction on this eye-catching building. Silverstein Capital Partners took over the building last summer in a $672 million foreclosure settlement and sales are re-lauching soon.

Remembering DoBro’s many department stores

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:33:48 +0000

As an ode to the soon-to-be-closing Macy’s on Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn, Brownstoner has a wonderful article describing the history of “dazzling emporiums” that once lined these streets.

Hooray! The $8M Fulton Mall Facelift Begins

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:00:44 +0000

Image from Brooklyn Eagle

Fulton Mall, arguably the “Main Street” of Downtown Brooklyn, is about to be greener and more pedestrian friendly thanks to a joint effort between the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, the NYC Parks Department, and the city’s Department of Transportation.

Cadman Plaza Park Gets a Cafe Upgrade – Proposals Due February 15

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:03:23 +0000

Get ready, Brooklynites! A brand new cafe is coming to Cadman Plaza Park in Downtown Brooklyn, and it’s going to be absolutely amazing. The NYC Parks Department is currently accepting proposals from businesses interested in setting up shop in the circa 1950s concrete maintenance building near Cadman Plaza West and Tillary Street.

Gentrification in the Skies: The Brooklyn Tower Rising

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 12:46:16 +0000

(Editor’s Note: This opinion post was made by an anonymous contributor. Please contact us if you’d like to contribute.)

The Brooklyn Tower is a towering monstrosity currently under construction in the outer boroughs of New York City, because apparently Manhattan wasn’t enough for all the wealthy yuppies looking to gentrify yet another neighborhood. Standing at an impressive 1,066-feet, this 93-story behemoth will surely block out the sun and ruin the skyline for everyone else. Developed by JDS Development and designed by SHoP Architects, the Brooklyn Tower will feature a whopping 550 units for the rich and wealthy, with a measly 150 units for purchase and a slightly more generous 120 units for affordable rentals. Because God forbid the average person be able to afford to live in a decent neighborhood anymore.

Beloved abolitionist Landmark finally getting much-needed stabilization work

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:30:39 +0000

Photo by [Susan De Vries][1]

Downtown Brooklyn played an important role in the underground railroad and the larger abolitionist movement. Most of those relevant neighborhood locations have been torn down (many in the past decade). But there’s one building that survived — 227 Duffield Street — and has since been granted landmark status and promised some much-needed stabilization work. Brownstoner recently spotted some construction workers at the site, meaning that work may be moving forward:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg honored with statue in City Point

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:13:41 +0000

The legend herself is now immortalized at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn. You should pop in and see it next time you’re in the area.

I must say, the location of the statue is pretty cool. It’s right inside the entrance to City Point from Flatbush. It’s one of the lesser-used entrances, north of the typical Trader Joes entrance. But you can see it easily from the street as you’re walking past.

Passing Moments: Saturday, February 27th, 2021

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:41:38 +0000

Saturday, February 27th, 2021. Construction on the 9 Dekalb Skyscraper rising up from the Dime Savings Bank dome. As seen from Bond Street. Photo by Dann Berg.

Passing Moments: Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 14:51:42 +0000

Monday, February 22nd, 2021. Sunset from Downtown BK. Photo by [nyknicks16][1].

Gage & Tollner now open for pickup & delivery!

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 15:01:08 +0000

Gage & Tollner was one of the sadder Downtown Brooklyn stories, with the grand re-opening scheduled for just days after the city shut down due to the Coronavirus in March 2020. Seriously: March 12th was my (and many other’s) last day working in an office, and their opening was scheduled for March 15th. Oof.

Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker art installation at Albee Square

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:19:52 +0000

You may have noticed some really cool artwork in the windows of the former Century 21 (RIP). Award-winning artist Sarula Bao is a Chinese American illustrator and graphic novelist based in Brooklyn, and her Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker installation will be on display through the end of March.

Some optimism for the future of DoBro

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:18:33 +0000

Bklyner has an optimistic view for the future of Downtown Brooklyn, as well as an outstanding look at how we got to be here:

Brooklyn’s historic central business district also suffered during the pandemic. But the area’s boosters and developers believe its location, open spaces, and large residential population could give it a leg up over Manhattan as the post-pandemic recovery finally begins.

DoBro Underground Railroad house officially landmarked

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

File photo by Susan De Vries

Via AMNY:

The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to grant landmark status to the Downtown Brooklyn house where prominent abolitionists Harriet and Thomas Truesdell lived during the 19th century — marking a long-awaited victory for local history buffs and activists alike.

Occupancy in DoBro holding strong

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 20:19:32 +0000

From Steve Cuozzo at the New York Post:

“Data just released by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership show that occupancy is above 95 percent at both old and new rental buildings. Absorption remains strong as most new properties report leasing between 20 and 40 units every month.”

DoBro getting $10M influx of cash

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:10:00 +0000

We did it! We won! Apparently.

From the BKReader:

Downtown Brooklyn was awarded $10 million grant as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which aims to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live and work.

Where to Work: Coworking Space Roundup in Downtown Brooklyn

Wed, 30 May 2018 12:00:27 +0000

Residential towers springing up all around Downtown Brooklyn seem to be making all the headlines, but the neighborhood is also home to several businesses, big and small. If you’re looking to get some work done in the area, look no further than a coworking space. We’ve rounded up what’s available, where, and whether or not you get free coffee. Read on to learn more!

Affordable Housing Lottery for One Flatbush Ave now open

Wed, 16 May 2018 15:56:24 +0000

Do you dream of living in Downtown Brooklyn, but lack the income to afford the multitude of new luxury apartments? Here’s another chance to try your luck at an affordable housing lottery!

NYC Housing Connect has recently opened the lottery for the upcoming One Flatbush Ave, which appears to be nearing the end of it’s construction. The building is at the intersection of Flatbush and Fulton, right next to the Nevins stop on the 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains.

Local Businesses Take the Bait in Underage Alcohol Sting

Sat, 12 May 2018 12:56:57 +0000

The New York State Liquor Authority recently sent underage decoys to retail establishments holding liquor licenses to ferret out those that illegally sell to underage persons. The underage decoys went to 756 businesses where they attempted to buy alcoholic beverages.

Of the 756 businesses State-wide, 200 sold alcoholic beverages to the underage decoys, including a few in Downtown Brooklyn. The Downtown Brooklyn offenders included a 7 Eleven at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension, the Brooklyn Deli at 115 Willoughby Street, and Khim’s Millennium Market at 111 Lawrence Street.

Free walking tours all weekend to honor public advocate Jane Jacobs

Fri, 04 May 2018 16:58:43 +0000

Now in its 8th year, Jane’s Walk NYC, hosted by the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), is a weekend-long celebration featuring 200+ free “walking conversation” tours throughout the five boroughs, led by urban enthusiasts and local neighborhood experts.

“There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.” – Jane Jacobs

TD’s Five Boro Bike Tour is coming our way

Fri, 04 May 2018 14:06:23 +0000

Image via Bike New York

The 41st annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour is back this Sunday, May 6th. Around 32,000 cyclists will gear up this year and ride through New York City on car-free streets and highways for 40-miles.

Organized by Bike New York, the tour is a fun way for people to enjoy the city and raise money for the nonprofit organization’s bike education programs. The event will start off with an expo on Friday & Saturday at Pier 12, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook with exhibitors, food and beer. And on Sunday, the bike tour begins at 7:30 am, in four waves at lower Manhattan, and moves its way through Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and finally ends in Staten Island with a Finish Festival (registered participants only) featuring local food vendors and live music.

Lined with Gold: Street Name Change to Honor Founding Black Female Civil Rights Activist

Thu, 03 May 2018 20:51:51 +0000

Gold Street, between Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Street in Downtown Brooklyn, may soon be renamed to honor Ida B. Wells, an African-American investigative journalist, teacher, feminist, and an early leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Wells spent several years on Gold Street in the early 1890s (living near today’s existing Chase Bank), after her Memphis journalism offices were destroyed by white mob violence.

Discounts at Dekalb Market Hall for National Small Business Week

Wed, 02 May 2018 13:41:43 +0000

We’re smack dab in the middle of National Small Business Week, which spans April 29th through May 5th this year. To celebrate, our favorite local food court, Dekalb Market Hall, has several vendors offering discounts.

Vendors with sales include Cuzin’s Duzin and Paella Shack, with many others also participating in the ten-percent discount promotion. There’s no doubt you’ll be able to find something to fit your tastes and mood down there.

The argument against the argument in favor of 80 Flatbush Tower

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 21:21:17 +0000

We’ve covered a lot of the negative emotions around the development of a giant tower at 80 Flatbush, right across from Atlantic Terminal, including neighbor protests and a CB2 vote against.

With a public hearing hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams happening tonight, why not take a look at the reason people are for the new building?

Hello, Gothamist. Welcome back.

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 13:39:55 +0000

Have you heard the news? Gothamist is back!

Last year, after a vote to unionize, they were shut down. Apparently, that made WNYC sad, so WNYC brought them back. They launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money and rally the troops. And today, they’re officially back.

I couldn’t be happier. I missed them. I know this isn’t directly related to Downtown Brooklyn, but Gothamist is a fantastic resource for all New Yorkers. So I had to celebrate here.

New Hotel beginning to rise at 61 Bond

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:55:05 +0000

There’s some intense construction happening at Schermerhorn and Bond, right across the street from the upcoming Chelsea Piers Fitness. No, it’s not more luxury apartments. This time, it’s a fancy new hotel.

I mean, look how fancy:

Image via Broadway CG

Chelsea Piers Fitness coming to Downtown Brooklyn

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 17:02:17 +0000

We’re getting a fancy gym. Chelsea Piers Fitness is coming to Downtown Brooklyn. The “showroom” is now open for new members. I heard through the rumor mill that “founding member” prices are about $150 per month, and that price will go up once the gym actually opens. That puts this gym in roughly the same category as Crunch, Equinox, or (RIP) David Barton.

Community Board votes against development of imposing 80 Flatbush tower

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 22:56:46 +0000

Image via 80 Flatbush

The community has spoken. Well, the Brooklyn Community Board 2’s Land-Use Committee has spoken at least. And they’ve voted against the giant construction project at 80 Flatbush Ave at a meeting held Wednesday.

Unlike other, approved development projects in Downtown Brooklyn, the planned tower at 80 Flatbush met a wave of backlash from the community. A group called Block 80 Flatbush Towers formed to fight against the construction project. They’ve been vocal online, as well as covered the neighborhood with their message. With this vote, it appears as if their vote has been heard.

Passing Moments: Wednesday, April 18th, 2018

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 16:47:07 +0000

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. Downtown Brooklyn from Flatbush and Fulton Mall.

Construction on 9 Dekalb Ave tower seemingly at a standstill

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 17:57:04 +0000

Construction appears to be at a standstill at 9 Dekalb Ave, the giant skyscraper coming to Downtown Brooklyn that will be twice as tall as any current building in the neighborhood.

The image is an aerial view of the construction site, with the old Dime Savings Bank in the lower right-hand corner of the image. Construction crews were hard at work removing floors of the attached building last summer/fall, but it seems like no progress has been made since then.

Meeting tomorrow to fight against high rise planned at 80 Flatbush

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:32:08 +0000

Image via 80 Flatbush

Not everyone is happy with all the high rises coming to the neighborhood. Members of our community have banded around stopping the two towers coming to 80 Flatbush Avenue, right across from Atlantic Terminal.

The main argument against this building, as far as I can tell (the official Block 80 Flatbush Towers website is currently down for me, is it working for you?) is that this giant tower will drastically alter several neighborhoods. The tower will be imposing to Boerum Hill, Ft. Greene, Park Slope, Gowanus, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens, all of which consist mostly of brownstone buildings.

City Council meeting for Downtown Brooklyn today

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 11:09:20 +0000

Looks like the 84th Precinct (which covers Downtown Brooklyn) is having a city council meeting today at 7pm.

Join us at our next Community Council Meeting on April 17th, 2018, 7pm at the Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St. #Brooklyn Come meet Cop of the Month, here about our Crime Report and results and Transit Police Report. See Flyer for more details #brooklynheights #boerumhills pic.twitter.com/pC7PBZ8cnx

A Macy’s Parking Garage No More, Ready for 11 Hoyt

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 18:41:52 +0000

It can be hard to see from the street, but Macy’s old parking garage is no longer a parking garage. The first step in constructing the next skyscraper being added to Downtown Brooklyn’s skyline, at 11 Hoyt. I shot this photo from our roof on April 14th, 2018, so everyone could get a look at the current progress.