Nearly 25 years after the redevelopment of the six-acre Admirals Row site at the corner of Flushing Avenue and Navy Street was first proposed, the federal government has transferred the property to the City of New York, which will turn it over to the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) for redevelopment.

As a result of the transfer, the area’s first major supermarket will be built, two of the historic but neglected buildings will be preserved and new space for industrial tenants will be developed.

The redevelopment plan was approved by the New York City Council in November 2011.
BNYDC, which manages the Brooklyn Navy Yard on behalf of the City, will now issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a developer to create a 74,000 s/f supermarket and 79,000 s/f of additional neighborhood retail space, as well as 127,000 square feet of industrial space on Admirals Row.

The project is expected to create 500 permanent retail and industrial jobs and hundreds of additional construction jobs.The designated developer will enter into a long-term lease for the site that now houses 11 long-neglected, dilapidated and unused structures.

The plan includes the restoration of two of the structures – Building B and the Timber Shed – which will be incorporated into the new development.  Structural engineers from Robert Silman Associates will get immediate access to the site to stabilize the two structures under contract to BNYDC. Proposals from developers are due by March 9.

“More than 20 years ago, the Navy Yard made a promise to the surrounding communities to transform Admirals Row to provide a major supermarket with fresh produce and groceries and job opportunities, today we are in the home stretch to fulfilling our promise,” said Andrew H. Kimball, president and CEO of BNYDC.

“Thanks to the unwavering commitment by our elected officials in every level of government, Community Board 2 and the neighborhood for standing by us all these years.

The redevelopment of Admirals Row further supports our core mission of creating jobs for local residents and will transform a tragic eyesore into a tremendous community amenity.”
The new buildings on the site will be built to the US Green Building Council LEED Silver standards and the site will incorporate the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway.

In addition to the renovation of the dilapidated Timber Shed and Building B, the project will include a commemoration plan to celebrate the site’s rich history.

The redevelopment of Admirals Row will build on the continuing transformation of the perimeter of the Navy Yard from dilapidated and underutilized public land.

Other recent perimeter improvements include opening of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92, a N exhibition, visitor, and employment center, and the continued growth of Steiner Studios.