Smoke filled the third floor of 481 Van Brunt Street at 11:35pm on September 17 before the fire spread to the roof, forcing more than 250 firefighters, EMS responders, and a marine fire boat dispatched to the Red Hook waterfront to tame the blaze. New York Fire Department (FDNY) officials said they believe the building was unoccupied at the time. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries.
Dubbed the Monarch Luggage Lofts after one of the last companies in residence before the conversion, the housing complex consists of two buildings. There is a late 19th century red brick one, which wraps around the corner of Dwight Street, and an early 20th century structure adjoining it on Delavan Street. Both have signage for the luggage company on their facades.
Tom Fruin, the artist behind the colorful water tower sculptures in Brooklyn, collaborated with local fragrance house Joya to create a multi-sensory installation called All Access Pass. Find Fruin's new 12-foot rooftop tower atop Joya's waterfront space at 499 Van Brunt Street, Building 4A. It's on view through October 12. While you can see the water tower day or night, the studio is open on Thursdays from 12-6pm; Fridays-Sundays from 12-7pm; and by appointment on Monday-Wednesday.
The City's Economic Development Corporation has proposed a redevelopment plan for Brooklyn's Red Hook waterfront that prioritizes market-rate housing while attempting to stabilize remaining port facilities.
Avilés questioned EDC President Andrew Kimball about the traffic implications of the proposed development, highlighting the existing traffic challenges in Red Hook and Columbia Street.
