130 Hope Street

130 Hope Street is a newly completed seven story residential building in Williamsburg with 143 apartments, a co-working space and a boutique retail space at the ground level.

Williamsburg is a scenic Brooklyn neighborhood consisting of local artisans and a laid back yet bustling atmosphere. Historically, the area was mostly industrial and considered a less than ideal place to live. The neighborhood has transformed over the last three decades more than any other, and is now the epicenter of culture with a strong sense of community. Williamsburg has many landmarks and the architectural fabric is largely defined by low rise brick masonry buildings. 130 Hope Street was envisioned to pay homage to the historical context as well as foster the contemporary ideals and artistic aspirations of the local residents. The potential residents will consist of young professionals, new families and community-minded individuals.

The building was envisioned as a sculptural addition to the neighborhood, characterized by a textural brick exterior with oscillating facets which create rhythm and scale, reminiscent of quaint and traditional row house streets Brooklyn is known for. The sculptural articulation of the facade serves to enhance the user experience by providing multi-directional views and a varying daylighting experience for many of the street-facing units, while also providing a unique streetscape and a welcome point of interest to the surrounding context. The building is elevated off the ground and the street corners open to allow for street-side seating, and encourages engagement between the building and pedestrians.

The building’s exterior form and materials extend to the interior transitional spaces, creating many unique moments of contemplation. The corridor spaces are illuminated at every floor and enlivened with natural daylight through an iconic light well carved into the heart of the building. The light well is designed so that on the summer solstice, daylight precisely reaches the bottom of the well, which coincides with the main building entrance as a special welcome to residents and visitors. The light gradually recedes in the months leading to the winter solstice, creating a dynamic experience throughout the year.

The building offers a variety of gathering areas including a central 3 story lobby atrium and outdoor spaces that create a connection to nature as well as promote a sense of community. From a tranquil zen garden to a walk in the park, the design promotes a symbiotic relationship between the natural world and the built environment. A collaboration with local artists provides an olive tree in the central atrium space as a hanging sculpture which reflects in the water pool below. The double height co-working space is crafted to create an inviting area for collaboration and where users can admire permanent art installations. It is the hope and goal that this building fosters community and well-being to its residents and becomes a new source of inspiration to the neighborhood as a whole.