Major Mixed-Use Development at 240 Nassau Street Enters Environmental Review in Downtown Brooklyn

A major mixed-use development project at 240 Nassau Street in Downtown Brooklyn has officially entered the environmental review process. This ambitious initiative—led through collaboration between major real estate developers and New York City government agencies—aims to transform a key area at the northern edge of Downtown Brooklyn with the construction of two high-rise towers.

The project will deliver a substantial number of mixed-income residential units, including much-needed affordable housing and senior housing, alongside a new public school, extensive community and cultural facilities, and ground-floor commercial space.

Community-Focused Design and Public Spaces

Following comprehensive community engagement efforts, the redevelopment is expected to redefine the neighborhood’s skyline and significantly enhance public amenities while aligning with local needs.

The proposed development at 240 Nassau Street represents a transformative vision for Downtown Brooklyn. The three-building mixed-use complex has now entered the environmental review phase, marking a critical milestone for a project expected to bring substantial benefits to the area. The collaborative effort involves a partnership between a prominent development firm, the New York City School Construction Authority, and another development group, all working together to create a vibrant new urban hub.

At the heart of the development are two striking residential towers, projected to rise 73 and 63 stories, respectively. Together, the towers will provide 1,505 mixed-income housing units, addressing New York City’s ongoing housing shortage. This includes 305 affordable apartments and 95 units dedicated to senior housing, supporting diverse living options within the community.

Beyond residential use, the project incorporates vital public infrastructure and community resources. A 120,000-square-foot state-of-the-art public school is planned, offering modern educational facilities for local children. Additionally, 42,000 square feet will be dedicated to community and cultural spaces to encourage local engagement and enrichment. The ground floors will also feature 28,000 square feet of commercial space, contributing to neighborhood vitality and convenience.

The site is strategically located, bounded by Nassau Street to the north, Concord Street to the south, Navy Street to the east, and the Brooklyn–Queens Expressway to the southwest, ensuring excellent connectivity. Architecturally, the towers will feature cohesive façades with dense grids of floor-to-ceiling windows, giving them a sleek, contemporary appearance. The taller tower will include a 17-story podium designed specifically for senior housing.

Transforming Downtown Brooklyn’s Skyline

A defining architectural element of the complex will be the public school structure, positioned between the two towers and topped with a distinctive undulating roof. The school’s façade will feature ribbed wood cladding complemented by integrated window grids, creating a visually engaging design.

Public enjoyment and accessibility are central to the project, which includes 21,000 square feet of open public space gracefully surrounding the buildings, offering new outdoor areas for residents and visitors alike.

Another key component is the planned community center, which will replace the former Boys & Girls Club at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The previous facility closed in 2023 and will be revived as a new community hub. Its operations will be managed by an organization selected based on community feedback, ensuring programs tailored to local children, seniors, and families.

In addition, a 15,000-square-foot cultural center is planned as the permanent home for a well-known African art organization currently operating in Bedford-Stuyvesant. This new institution will include dedicated spaces for exhibitions, educational programming, and research.

The comprehensive master plan for 240 Nassau Street seeks to reintroduce the historic street grid, enhance the existing urban landscape, improve access to nearby parks, and seamlessly integrate the new development into the fabric of Downtown Brooklyn. The current site already includes an existing public school and the former community club.

Rezoning, Community Input, and Next Steps

To facilitate the development and maximize housing and community benefits, the project team is pursuing a rezoning through the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). Emphasizing community-centered planning, the development team conducted extensive outreach, gathering input from more than 1,000 local stakeholders.

This included over 50 meetings with community organizations, tenant associations, elected officials, and neighborhood residents. The team also appointed a community liaison, formed a community advisory group, hosted open houses, and held workshops to ensure the project reflects local priorities and aspirations.

For commuters, the site offers convenient access to public transportation, with the York Street F subway station located just a short walk to the northwest. Looking ahead, the public review process is expected to begin in early 2026, with construction anticipated to start in 2027, signaling a new chapter for this vital Downtown Brooklyn site.