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Work begins on B2 residential development in Atlantic Yards with 50% affordable units
A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday for an exciting new residential block as part of the Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn, New York. B2 is a 32-storey structure formed of three interlocking volumes adjacent to the SHoP Architects-designed Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets. Also designed by SHoP Architects, B2 will provide 363 units of residential accommodation when complete in 2014, 50% of which will be classed as affordable to low, moderate and middle-income households.
As part of its commitment to bringing the affordable units to this development, the City, through its Housing Development Corporation, funded the first mortgage with nearly $92m raised through the sale of tax-exempt bonds as well as providing a low-interest subordinate loan of $11.6m to the project. Residents of the building will benefit from an onsite fitness centre, bike storage, a residents’ lounge, games room, yoga and dance studio, and an open roof terrace.
Speaking at yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz said: “It is only fitting that today’s ceremony comes during the holiday season, as the provision of affordable housing and the innovative modular construction process - which will assuredly be a major new job provider for Brooklynites who need work most - are both wonderful gifts for Brooklyn.”
To enliven the external appearance of the B2 scheme, SHoP Architects have incorporated a number of different materials, colours and fabrication techniques. The design looks to achieve a LEED Silver Certification upon completion and developers Forest City Ratner Companies will be approaching realisation through modular construction. The firm has partnered with Skanska USA to form FC + Skanska Modular, LLC and will create the modular elements at Brooklyn Navy Yard to reduce truck traffic to the site. This construction method will also reduce construction waste by 70-90%.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said: “This new building will bring more affordable housing to one of the most exciting parts of Brooklyn. It will enrich a thriving community and ensure that living in this neighbourhood is an option for a diverse group of New Yorkers. Its innovative construction will create jobs in Brooklyn and hopefully serve as a model that enables more affordable housing construction in the future.”
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