Dumbo's Historic Empire Stores Site Could Turn Into Retail

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Dumbo's Empire Stores site is a scenic but crumbling complex of warehouses built after the Civil War. For years, developers and city officials have been arguing over what to do with them, but now it looks like the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation is zeroing in on a plan. They recently released a request for proposals from builders who could turn the spot into "a year-round commercial and retail space."

Right now, Dumbo shopping is in a transitional place. There are a few upscale clothing stores, some bookstores, a BoConcept and a West Elm, and the little artisan-run Shops at 145 Front Street, but no major grocery store and not much in the way of mainstream retail. As the recently-opened Brooklyn Bridge Park draws more visitors, the neighborhood is certainly going to be able to support more stores. A Chelsea Market-esque bazaar of shops and cafés might make perfect sense—after all, nothing says "Anthropologie" like a renovated coffee warehouse.
· Retail headed to Bridge Park warehouses, planners say [BK Paper]
· All Empire Stores coverage [Curbed NY]