UrbanGlass

Jonathan Rose Companies was selected as the real estate advisor for the initial phase of a two phase project for UrbanGlass. Leeser Architects was selected by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to renovate the Strand Theater, which UrbanGlass shares with BRIC Arts Media Brooklyn, a non-profit arts organization.

The two Brooklyn arts organizations, UrbanGlass and BRIC Arts, will be gaining space in the building they share in the Brooklyn Cultural District thanks to $17.3 million renovation sponsored by the EDC, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.

UrbanGlass is a non-profit international center that advances the use and appreciation of glass as a creative medium to a diverse audience through its programs, educational initiatives and publications. It serves as a resource for master artists for whom glass is a primary focus, a school to over 900 student artists a year, and the venue for the Bead Project, an entrepreneurial program for economically disadvantaged women.

A complete renovation of the first floor for UrbanGlass will include a 20,000 square foot gallery, retail space and a demonstration hot shop with views from Fulton Avenue. The EDC will upgrade the infrastructure of the building and provide new elevators for both entities.

This infrastructure upgrade offers UrbanGlass a unique opportunity to include heat recovery for heating and hot water. Opportunities for waste water recycling from the glass making process are also being explored.