the chocolate factory
275 park avenue, brooklyn, NY
The Chocolate Factory Lofts - a former manufacturing plant for Tootsie Roll - was acquired by Fairstead in 2019 and it underwent a thorough renovation of the residential units, including updates — LED lighting upgrades, low-flow kitchen and bathroom fixtures — that will mean The Chocolate Factory Lofts will continue to represent eco-conscious Brooklyn living.
The comprehensive revitalization plan also includes improvements to the lobby, hallways, roof deck, courtyard and on-site gym. The property is also being fitted with a co-working space. The building hosts a French bakery and a comedy club.
The property is a combination of five different existing structures. The three tallest buildings stand 7 stories tall - one reinforced concrete, one steel with concrete slabs and another one with steel beams and concrete floors supported by brick bearing walls. Another concrete encased steel frame building stands 6 stories tall and a cast iron and timber column building with brick walls and wood joists stands 5 stories tall. The property extends a full block along Park Avenue. The structures have been built at different dates, before 1950.
Madsen was retained by Fairstead for the renovation project that includes a new roof deck with new rooftop penthouses, skylights, a new glass structure for the building entrance, renovation work in the commercial spaces, etc. Madsen also provided a structural investigation, including using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) imaging and designed structural repair details for the structure and exterior walls. The facade walls, parapets and supporting structure are heavily deteriorated and require extensive repairs without altering the character of the building. Architectural design is provided by Bromley Caldari Architects and Bone Levine Architects (for facade restoration).
Madsen also provided temporary shoring design and structural steel shop drawings for the project.