Brooklyn Beckons Builders

The "Downtown Brooklyn Plan" anticipates 4.5 million s.f. of new office space and up to 15 new towers in what is the city's third-largest business district.

1 minute read

January 14, 2005, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Zoning changes, "approved over the summer, also clear the way for 3,000 new housing units and 800,000 square feet of retail. "We want to have a vibrant commercial core," declares Amanda Burden, chair of the city's planning commission.

Brooklyn has recently become a destination for companies wanting to spread out their operations in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks. The attacks paralyzed financial firms in the Wall Street area for days. Bank of New York this summer christened a 10-story office tower at Ratner's new Atlantic Terminal, at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues and across Atlantic from the future arena complex." (Includes images.)

Thanks to Chris Steins

Monday, January 10, 2005 in The Slatin Report

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh delivers remarks at his swearing-in ceremony in the East Room of the White House.

Raised interest rates may kill financially vulnerable construction projects

The chief economist at ConstructConnect warns that if construction project owners are negatively impacted by the raised rates, it could result in delayed payments to contractors.

September 18 - Construction Dive