The Pencil Factory

A bold architectural strategy nodding to an illustrious history while also looking to the future

While Goldner and his team’s intervention — interspersing oversized, floor-to-ceiling windows with a pixelated composition of red, beige, orange and gray panels — was bold and not to the liking of all strict preservationists, it did stem from a considered and historically respectful approach. “‘I think the asymmetrical quality of it really speaks to the way we live our lives now,” he added.?“Our lives are not lined up in perfect little curbs. There is great power in abstraction.” The architect cited polymathic artist and designer Donald Judd as his main source of inspiration when enacting this far less replicative and much more interpretive strategy. Though unquestionably dissimilar to the original buildings, these newer checkerboard-clad inserts match their massing, or overall shape, and have near flush dimensions, ensuring a seamless spatial flow inside. Set atop both historical and contemporary structures, double-height cubic dormers — rendered in light-toned composite siding and curtain walls — contain penthouses but also delineate private terraces and anchor a sprawling shared roof top. Both have mostly uninterrupted western and northern views of the Manhattan skyline, right across the East River.

According to a The Architect’s Newspaper article from 2018, the adaptive reuse development of the Greenpoint waterfront — complexes like The Pencil Factory — has been far more nuanced and site responsive than nearby Williamsburg or Long Island City, where gaudier high-rise buildings have gone up in complete contrast to the low-density warehouses that once stood in their place. With a few such developments having emerged since this article was published, it remains to be seen if this tempered approach will withstand the test of time.

Loft residences with spacious open-plan layouts and premium finishes

With residences here only coming on the market from time to time and many never publicly listed, demand is high. One-bedrooms, topping out at 965 square feet of space, go for between $860,000 and $1.5 million, depending on the condition and position within the complex. Two- bedrooms, averaging 1,280 square-feet of space, sell for closer to $1.7 million. A small handful of slightly larger penthouse level three- bedrooms can fetch upwards of $2.5 million. Given the building’s age, the level of renovation and customization varies greatly from unit to unit. That said, base line finishes like oak wood flooring and 10-foot or higher ceilings, as well as top-line GE stainless steel appliances, still carry across the offering. Oversized windows take in tons of natural light. There’s a 21a tax abatement through June 2026 with a $98 assessment for one year.

Premium amenities and Greenpoint’s abundant amount of hip haunts

Residents and their guests enter The Pencil Factory complex through a sleek, virtually accessed lobby defined by vertical lighting strips asymmetrically anchored in mid-toned wood panels. The same material clads the minimalist-style resident’s lounge with premium furniture and a kitchenette that gives way to a well-maintained children’s playroom. The basement level fitness center has a wide variety of equipment, and the expansive roof top was furnished with the same attention to detail. There’s also a large bike room and storage units for rent. The super lives on site. Limited parking is available within the internal courtyard out back, but most residents tend to find spots on the adjoining streets. With an onramp to the Long Island Expressway a few blocks north, it’s easy to get out of town.

However, there’s plenty on offer here when it comes to restaurants, bars, cultural attractions and green space. While close by Long Island City might have MoMA PS1 and the SculptureCenter, Greenpoint is home to prestigious private art museum Faurschou. The aptly named Pencil Factory watering hole is a locally beloved institution. Other popular haunts along Franklin Street include Bar Americano, Oak & Iron and Brooklyn Safehouse. Trendy area restaurants include Taiwanese mainstay Wenwen, experimental dining experience Ilis and breakfast favorite Radio Bakery. There’s even more authentic Polish-heritage and newer fusion hot spots found along Manhattan Avenue, especially as it leads toward activity-rich McCarren Park; a central green lung replete with tennis courts, a public pool and baseball fields. Closer to The Pencil Factory, WNYC Transmitter Park is a newly revamped waterfront green space with a viewing pier. American Playground is also in proximity. The nearby Greenpoint ferry terminal provides a quick and reliable connection to Midtown Manhattan and Wall Street. Though Greenpoint doesn’t have direct subway connections into the city, the G subway — that stops at the Greenpoint Avenue station — connects to the 7 train at Court Square and services most other upmarket Brooklyn neighborhoods. Connecting to the L line at Metropolitan Avenue is another good option for getting into Manhattan.