Gene Kaufman-designed mixed-use artists' development to break ground in Brooklyn

Construction will begin on The AnX at 13 Grattan St., a mixed-use artists' work space in East Williamsburg/Bushwick designed by Gene Kaufman Architect. Like Kaufman's 100 Bogart St. project, currently under construction, The AnX responds to the continuing need among the area's artists and artisans for more studio, gallery and work space. The 23,000 s/f structure will offer a combination of work-space lofts and 8,000 s/f of ground-floor retail, restaurant and basement space. With its soaring 12-ft. ceilings, upper-floor terraces, and large windows that bring in lots of natural light, 13 Grattan will combine the spirit of 19th-century European ateliers with the sophistication of 21st-century technology, materials and amenities. Developers Ted and Marianne Hovivian have dubbed the project The AnX because it is literally linked to 56 Bogart St., a.k.a. The BogArt, which they converted into artist work spaces in 2005. Since then it has attracted a wide range of visual and multimedia artists, high-end galleries, and arts organizations, and has drawn hundreds of people to arts events. Both buildings are located across from the Morgan Ave. L subway stop. "The AnX is the kind of ground-up artist-work-space development that places like East Williamsburg/Bushwick sorely need," said Kaufman. "Projects like this recognize artists' economic value to the community and enable them to remain in neighborhoods they have made into the most hip destinations in the world." The AnX is Gene Kaufman's third project for the Hovivians after the Metropolitan and the Rialto, Williamsburg condo buildings at 211 and 150 North Fifth Street, respectively.