An Auto-Body Experience

The renewal--or gentrification--of Red Hook continues apace! The Real Estate has infiltrated the fabled neighborhood that sits off the Buttermilk Channel (where, according to Wikipedia, low tide would allow farmers to herd their cows over for grazing on Governors' Island), to bring you news of this four-story apartment building currently being constructed at 152 Beard Street, at Van Brunt Street. This stretch of the Hook was rezoned in 2002 to allow mixed-use, residential/light-industrial development. One of the first projects to enjoy this designation was developer Greg O'Connell's still-under-renovation Civil War-era luxury-condo building, two blocks away at 480-500 Van Brunt Street, right smack on the harbor shores. According to our source, who asked not to be named, when 152 Beard Street is complete, it will feature six units with a grand total of 10,372 square feet. 152 Beard Street Corporation will be asking for market rent, which, in this rapidly developing neighborhood, could be quite high--especially after the gigantic Fairway finally opens (God knows when) and NY Water Taxi runs a schedule more copacetic to Wall Street workers. Our source says that the ground floor will still be an auto shop, which might dampen rental rates if interested tenants are persnickity. Amenities in the 'hood already include low-priced (but expensive-tasting) French bistro 360, trendy diner Hope & Anchor and the new and ultra-delicious Baked cafe. Plus, this property is just around the corner from the fabled Sunny's bar. - Matthew Grace