Two More High-Rise Apartment Buildings Coming To 4th Avenue

The “canyon of mediocrity” that is 4th Avenue just continues to grow.

As 2014 ended, developers rushed to file permit applications ahead of changes that went into effect on the last day of the year, and New York YIMBY spotted two projects along 4th Avenue in our area that will add yet more height to the developing strip.

The first is 581 4th Avenue, at the corner of Prospect Avenue, pictured above. Though the permit application only mentions 581, we’re thinking it might also cover several adjacent buildings that were listed for sale recently and includes a check cashing shop, and car repair and auto glass businesses, but we’re looking into it and will clarify once we hear.

The proposed building will be designed by Karl Fischer, no stranger to 4th Ave — they’re responsible for the Landmark Park Slope, located at 267 6th Street at 4th Ave, which opened in 2013. The plans call for a 12-story, 129-unit residential building (most likely rentals, based on the smallish square footage of the units) with a 2,391-square-foot commercial space on the ground floor and 57 parking spots. Which will come in handy for anyone who commutes via the Prospect Expressway, which will provide a pleasant view for anyone living on the south side of the building.

The other new building has been proposed for 691 4th Avenue, at the corner of 22nd Street. It’s another 12-story residential building, but this one will only have 91 units, plus 4,353 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, and 22 parking spaces. Floor 2 and floors 5-12 will all have private decks, and the roof of the building will have a common outdoor area.

Nataliya Donskoy’s ND Architecture is handling the design — they’re also working on another building nearby, at 635 4th Ave, at the corner of 19th Street, aka the former home of the Seafarers Union.

These are just two of the several buildings coming to 4th Avenue (though it’s not just 4th — development is coming to 5th Ave, as well). What we don’t know, yet, is how our neighborhood will handle this influx of people — how will all these new units impact the number of seats needed in schools, or how many people are using local subway stops, or how safety along the busy avenue will change (which is reportedly getting safer, traffic-wise)?

What do you think? The more apartments, the better? Or is it getting to be too much?