Gilbane Dev., Blue Sea Dev., and Artspace, broke ground on Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments

Brooklyn, NY Gilbane Development, Blue Sea Development and Artspace was joined by mayor Adams, city and state officials on September 9^th to break ground on the Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments (BACA). Constructed by Gilbane Building, the transformative project received $254 million in financing in July and will deliver affordable housing as well as a dynamic cultural center and performance space to the Brownsville neighborhood. 

Representatives from Gilbane Development, Blue Sea Development and Artspace; mayor Eric Adams, deputy mayor Adolfo Carrion, HPD commissioner Ahmed Tagani, DCLA commissioner Laurie Cumbo, assembly member Latrice Walker; state senator Jabari Brisport, council member Darlene Mealy, city and state agencies were in attendance.

Located in Brownsville at 366 Rockaway Ave., BACA will bring nearly 263,000 s/f of residential space encompassing 283 new affordable rental apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, affordable to households earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI), including dedicated units for formerly homeless individuals. BACA’s cultural arts center spans 28,000 s/f, including a 3,440 s/f multi-purpose performance, rehearsal, and studio space for community arts groups, solidifying its position as a lively cultural nexus in the community.

Set for completion in December 2027, BACA stands as a landmark investment in Brownsville’s social and cultural landscape. The development unites affordable housing with innovative arts programming, creating a community foundation that fosters creativity, equity, and resilience.