G
owanus is abuzz with the return of BIG, Bjarke Ingalls' architectural firm, which has been tapped to design a 1,000-unit rental apartment tower at 175 Third St. The project, developed by Charney Companies and Tavros, marks a significant departure from BIG's earlier concept for the site.

    The new building will stand 27 stories tall, encompassing over 1 million square feet, making it the fifth development by the partners on the eastern side of the Gowanus Canal. Ingalls' design features "stacked blocks of cascading concrete volumes" that cascade down towards the canal waterfront, paying homage to the area's industrial past.

    "We had our eyes on this site for a long time," said Sam Charney, principal of Charney Companies. "But someone else always owned it until the price finally came down and we knew this was the right moment." The purchase closed in May, and Ingalls' new concept "blew us away" with its textured architectural concrete that resembles chiseled rock.

    The project will feature 25% affordable units as required by neighborhood Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning. It will be part of a larger "Gowanus Wharf campus," which includes three other buildings, including Union Channel and Nevins Landing. The development cost is estimated at around $1 billion, with 100,000 square feet of retail space, a 30,000-square-foot public park, sports facilities, rooftop lounges, and lavish indoor amenities.

    The Gowanus neighborhood has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by the federal-supervised cleanup of the canal and the city's rezoning efforts. The area is now home to nearly 9,000 new rental apartments, with many more in development.