Feature: The Metropolitan

Robot Mural in the enclosed courtyard at The Metropolitan

Williamsburg is home of the new Metropolitan on Metropolitan Avenue. While this building has had its up’s and down’s throughout construction, it has finally come together in the artsy neighborhood. The sudden switch from developer Avi Galapo  to a new developer has seemed to improve the building. As of yet, there have been 36 rentals leased. Architect Gary H. Silver P.C. proudly noted the building design to maximize light and air into each unit. In addition to the metal panel facade, the building exterior prominently features gold Jerusalem stone.

Bordering between South and North Williamsburg, the Metropolitan is in the middle of most area attractions. The L and G trains run 4 and 5 blocks away respectively. You cannot have Williamsburg without fashion and music so the surrounding venues and shops are gladly welcomed. The Knitting Factory Brooklyn is adjacent while Rose Live Music is nearby. Both venues are host to live music acts ranging from quirky events like rock n' rhyme movie sing-a-long's to indie rock bands.

The ethnic makeup of Williamsburg creates a great atmosphere for eating. Jewish bakeries, Italian deli's, and  a number of different Latin cuisines including Mexican favorite, Don Pancho's. After a comedy or futuristic pop show, restaurants such as Fette Sau, a Williamsburg BBQ favorite, and Roebling Tearoom are good for home comfort food. 

Studio residence with natural lighting

Back at the Metropolitan, the storm has finally settled. There was a lot of clamor  surrounding this development throughout the past year. Originally,  the building was planned as a condominium but after financial issues and a new developer it was converted into a rental. Constructions issues hold the most blame as to pushed back move-in dates and buyer doubts.

The Metropolitian gained its first bit of Williamsburg notoriety as the site where a small crane toppled over. This even lead some buyers to back out after they saw no move-in date in sight and began to question construction quality. Although there have been no complaints from new residents who have actually moved in, a crane toppling over can lead anyone to doubts. Positively, the planned condominium turned rental offers tenants condo finishes. What drew in some sales residents before the rental switch were the bamboo flooring, high quality kitchen appliances and artistic design.

Stone counter and wood finish in Kitchen

What is a Williamsburg building without some sort of grand art? The four-floor courtyard mural of colorful robots by Brooklyn artist R. Nicholas Kuszyk has helped to ensure the site has some Williamsburg charm. The building itself is built in two towers connected by an elevator/stairs core so that each apartment has north and south views. The natural light that flows in highlights the unusual layouts.

Dining and living room space with terrace

With units ranging from $1,595 to $4,950, even many studios and 1-bedrooms have some private outdoor space. The amenity package includes a roofdeck, courtyard, building parking and fitness center. The central location and reasonable pricing allow the building to compete with certain Downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan developments that offer more impressive amenity packages.

Personally, it seems that The Metropolitan is designed for a younger crowd. Flowing with artistry and a neighborhood vibe; the area welcomes musicians, painters, families and some Manhattanites turned Brooklyn fans. With reasonable pricing most of the units fall into the range of affordable living for younger residents.

One bedroom residence with balcony at The Metropolitan

Even though 3-bedroom units would suit the amount of a family, the unique layouts may not be as practical for the longer term renter with wife and kids. While the area is cast as a hipster hangout, the short commute to FiDi and Midtown has drawn the business crowd in recent months. If you want home to feel like home and work to feel like work, The Metropolitan stands in stark contrast to everything Midtown and the rest of Manhattan has to offer.

For pricing/leasing information call:
(212) 202-0721