Construction is making steady progress on Anagram Gowanus, a 20-story residential development located at 450 Union Street in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn. The ambitious project, designed by renowned architecture firm SO-IL and developed through a partnership between Global Holdings, Tankhouse, and McArthur Holdings, represents a significant addition to Brooklyn's rapidly evolving skyline.
The impressive 203,000-square-foot structure will house 158 rental apartments ranging from studio units to spacious three-bedroom layouts, catering to diverse housing needs in the area. Additionally, the building will feature 22,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, contributing to the neighborhood's commercial vitality. As part of the city's affordable housing initiatives, a portion of the residential units will be designated as affordable housing options. Magnusson Architecture Planning serves as the architect of record for this significant project, which sits strategically at the intersection of Union and Bond Streets.
Construction has advanced considerably since the last site visit in late May, when below-grade work was still underway. The reinforced concrete superstructure has begun its upward climb, with the podium levels now fully formed and the main tower taking shape with its distinctive multifaceted design. Construction crews are efficiently enclosing the floor plates using metal frame studs and insulation boards. Based on the current pace of construction progress, industry observers expect the building to reach its full height sometime before next spring.
Architectural renderings provided by Alden Studios showcase the building's striking cascading design and distinctive brick facade. One of the most notable features is the canal-facing elevation, which incorporates a through-building cutout spanning the third through seventh floors. This innovative design element creates terraces that bridge the divide, providing shaded outdoor space for select residential units and adding visual interest to the structure.
Detailed renderings reveal additional architectural elements, including the main entrance and an eye-catching jagged canopy positioned over the second-floor terrace, which will be enhanced with hanging vegetation for a green touch. The cutout feature is prominently visible from multiple angles, along with additional terraces positioned atop the building's numerous setbacks. The retail frontage along the broad southern elevation facing Union Street will feature a distinctive stacked bond pattern using tan brick, creating an attractive street-level presence.
Twenty-five percent of the rental units will include private outdoor space, ensuring residents have access to fresh air and outdoor living. Nearly every apartment in the building will feature a Juliet balcony and dual-corner exposure, maximizing natural light and providing residents with enhanced views of the surrounding neighborhood and cityscape.
This development marks Global Holdings' fifth Anagram-branded residential project in New York City, joining successful counterparts in prestigious neighborhoods including NoMad, Columbus Circle, Gramercy, and Turtle Bay. The company has demonstrated its commitment to the project through a substantial $33 million equity investment, arranged through JLL Capital Markets, highlighting the significant financial backing behind this development.
Future residents will enjoy an extensive array of amenities designed to enhance their living experience. These include a fully equipped fitness center, modern co-working spaces perfect for remote work, a dedicated children's playroom for families, beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, and multiple rooftop terraces offering panoramic views. The building will also provide practical conveniences with 13,000 square feet of above-grade parking space and approximately 22,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, including specially designated areas for community activities and art studio use.
One of the project's most attractive features will be a 5,700-square-foot waterfront esplanade along the historic Gowanus Canal, providing residents and the community with scenic waterfront access. This amenity reflects the growing trend of waterfront development in Brooklyn and adds significant value to the property.
The location offers excellent public transportation access, with residents able to reach the F and G train lines at Carroll Street station to the west, and the R train at Union Street station just a few blocks to the east. This connectivity makes commuting to Manhattan and other Brooklyn neighborhoods convenient for residents.
Anagram Gowanus is scheduled for completion in May 2027, according to current project timelines posted at the construction site. This timeline positions the development to meet the growing demand for high-quality rental housing in one of Brooklyn's most dynamic and rapidly developing neighborhoods.
