On a humid and rainy July evening in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, representatives from across the commercial property industry gathered at the new mixed-use complex MADE Bush Terminal. It was hosting Commercial Observer's annual summer networking event. Amidst massive square wooden columns that accentuated the complex's industrial flair, attendees took the opportunity to network, enjoy drinks and canapés, and hear presentations from some of MADE's first tenants. They reported on the benefits of utilising space in the complex, which, in addition to sites such as a brewery and a new 1,000-person music venue, will primarily house businesses with light industrial uses.
Bridget Chansakul, Assistant Vice President at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), is responsible for leasing the development and was enthusiastic about showcasing the activities in Building A, where the event was held, to those present. While several tenants have already moved into this building and Building B of the project, the full development and inauguration of MADE Bush Terminal, which will ultimately be a complex of five buildings, will extend over the next few years.
“We’re giving a taste tonight, but it’s only the beginning of what’s happening here in Sunset Park,” Chansakul said. She announced that a new brewery would soon be revealed at the site and a new building unveiled, marking the prelude to an exciting and significantly larger project.
Insights from the First Tenants
After brief introductions by Brian Pascus, a financial reporter at Commercial Observer, and Jennifer Brown, Senior Vice President for the Sunset Park district at NYCEDC, attendees were invited to a short panel discussion for a deeper introduction to MADE Bush Terminal. Waverly Neer, Vice President of Asset Management at NYCEDC, moderated a brief panel featuring two of the building's first tenants: lighting manufacturer Stickbulb and design studio Pelle.
Pelle, led by architect couple Jean and Oliver Pelle, moved into Building A in February after years of working in a small studio in Red Hook. Jean Pelle explained that the couple has always striven to “push the boundaries of design,” and their new studio at MADE Bush Terminal provided them with the necessary space to do so. “We make and sell our own designs, so we need a showroom to display the work and interact with clients,” Pelle said. She emphasised the importance of the 12,000 square foot studio space for their team, as the work is physical and hands-on and cannot be done remotely.
As architects, the Pelles were also drawn to MADE's industrial atmosphere. “Given our architectural background, we’ve always loved these industrial buildings, and they were excellent for our work,” Oliver Pelle said. “They’re very flexible, and they have an originality that we’ve always appreciated.”
Optimal Location Choice for Stickbulb
Stickbulb was previously located in Long Island City, Queens, in a studio with a freight lift of such small size that they occasionally had to turn down large projects. As their lease expired, they sought a studio that would eliminate this and other issues, opting for MADE. “We looked from New Haven, Conn., to New Jersey and found that we were looking for something that was really a unicorn,” said Christopher Beardsley, co-founder of Stickbulb.
- —Beardsley explained that their steady growth over the past 13 years was due to their maintaining very close control over every aspect of their operations.
- —MADE Bush Terminal offered the optimal combination of location, studio space, and a large freight lift.
- —A fully equipped freight lift and loading dock are crucial for them.
- —The atmosphere, which attracts creative people and clients, as well as the ability to display products directly at the place of manufacture, was hard to find. Beardsley felt fortunate to have discovered this location, as it perfectly met all requirements.
