Massive Media Hub Could Transform Historic Brooklyn Navy Yard

The focus of a series of failed proposals, a 20-acre corner of Brooklyn Navy Yard known as the Naval Annex Historic Campus is set to be converted into a $400 million media, technology and film hub in a plan announced this week.

1 minute read

August 18, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Julie Satow reports on the redevelopment plan being proposed by the nonprofit Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and a private developer, Douglas C. Steiner, which, contingent upon city, state and federal financing, could transform "20 acres of abandoned grassy hills, crumbling Greek Revival mansions and
Second Empire structures that few New Yorkers have ever seen."

Seeking to take advantage of a growing demand from technology, new media, and entertainment companies for work space in New York, the project, "would use the nine historical
buildings on the site and create five new structures for a total of
328,000 square feet, housing media companies and academic programs.
There would also be 100,000 square feet of new stages for film and TV,
including the first underwater stage in the country and the first back
lot on the East Coast to feature a New York City streetscape," notes Satow. 

Securing public financing to the tune of $37.5 million, "To make the plan viable and to build out the site's infrastructure," is an essential element for moving the project forward. 

Thursday, August 16, 2012 in The New York Times

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.