Meltzer/Mandl Architects to complete Clermont Greene for approx. $40 million

Construction is almost completed at Clermont Greene, a 114,000 s/f twin-building condominium complex designed by Meltzer/Mandl Architects in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, according to Marvin Meltzer, AIA, president of the firm. The developer of the approximately $40 million project is Vanderbilt Mansion LLC in concert with the owner's representative, Complete Development, Inc. of Brooklyn. Clermont Greene will offer 74 studios and one, two and three-bedroom homes, many with double-height living spaces. The buildings are separated by a large multi-tiered landscaped courtyard. As part of its design, Meltzer/Mandl raised the first floor of Clermont Greene approximately eight feet above street level. "Not only does this provide added security and privacy for first-floor residents," said David Stuart, AIA, senior associate at Meltzer/Mandl, "but it also increases the amount of light and the sense of open-ness, which is much more appealing to residents than just having a subterranean, steep ramp below-ground. What's more, it allows for good ventilation for the indoor parking." The reinforced concrete building structure of Clermont Greene supports a variegated building fabric of metal panels and glass. Because of the unique tiered design of the courtyard, most of the homes will have a private terrace or balcony. The ramped courtyard also encloses the rear-yard spaces of the adjacent buildings. "The streets of Fort Greene used to be lined with brick apartments and industrial buildings, but the neighborhood is evolving and the streetscape is drastically changing," said Stuart. "Fort Greene residents can now enjoy a variety of restaurants, flea markets, shows at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Fort Greene Park." The project team includes Severud Associates as the structural engineer, Mehandes Engineering, PC as the mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineer and MGI Construction, Inc. as the general contractor.