The 1908 construction of DUMBO’s 12-story Sweeney Building helped establish the neighborhood as one of the city’s most important manufacturing districts. Designed by Moyer Engineering and Construction for the W.H. Sweeney Manufacturing Company, a maker of metal kitchenware, the Industrial Neo-classical concrete building served as the workplace of more than 400 employees of several companies, producing cuspidors and coffee pots, dress trimmings, aprons and handkerchiefs. The New York City Landmarks Commission noted the building's significance when the DUMBO Historic District was formed in 2007, writing, “The structure contributes to the district through its architecture, structure and its connection to DUMBO’s industrial history.”
Nearly 100 years later, the Sweeney Building would be a harbinger of DUMBO’s transformation in coming decades. In 2003, it became one of the first condo conversions in what is now an area filled with high-priced apartments in formerly industrial buildings, as well as tony new developments. Today, it offers well-heeled buyers arguably some of the best views in DUMBO. Residents enjoy stellar, unobstructed views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, New York Harbor and Downtown and Midtown Manhattan.
With 85 units total, The Sweeney Building has one- to four-bedroom residences. One-bedroom homes measuring up to 2,556 square feet ask between $1.4 million and $2.5 million. Two-bedroom units as large as 2,547 square feet list for up to $3.9 million. Three-bedroom condos as large as 3,362 square feet command up to $3 million, and four-bedroom homes list for up to $5 million. Loft-like, light-filled homes feature oversized windows, oak floors, birch doors and 11-foot ceilings with concrete beams. Living areas are open plan, with many including hanging lights with an industrial aesthetic and a breakfast bar. Appliances in stainless steel include Sub-Zero refrigerators, Thermador ovens and Bosch dishwashers. Bathrooms feature marble double vanities with chrome fixtures, a deep soaking tub and floors tiled in a black and white basketweave pattern.
The Sweeney Building is staffed by a 24-hour door attendant, a full-time super and maintenance staff. There is a large, newly furnished roof deck with Wifi and a fully equipped gym. The building offers a few private rooftop cabanas that occasionally come up for sale, separate from units in the building. Pets are permitted.
For people who want to live in DUMBO, it’s hard to find a better location than the Sweeney Building. In addition to the stunning water, bridge and skyline views, the building is steps from the main drag of the neighborhood’s cobblestone-clad Water Street, filled with restaurants and shops, including the Time Out New York Market and Empire Stores. Supermarket DUMBO Market is a block away, as is the popular ship-themed Main Street Playground. The east end of world-class waterside Brooklyn Bridge Park is directly north, home to Empire Fulton Ferry, the glass-enclosed Jane’s Carousel, an open lawn and arts venue St. Ann’s Warehouse.
For public transportation, the F train at York Street is about a 10-minute walk away, as are the A and C trains at High Street. The NYC Ferry stops in DUMBO at Fulton Ferry, reaching Wall Street in about 10 minutes and 34th Street in 30 minutes. For travel in and out of the borough or city by car, the building offers easy access to the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Midtown Manhattan and Laguardia Airport can be reached in about 40 minutes by car.
Sweeney Building is a condominium located in Kings and the 11201 ZIP Code. This area is served by the Kings County attendance zone.
