On June 9, 2026, members and guests of the LAI NY Chapter, together with members of the Fordham Real Estate Institute Student Association (FREISA), had the opportunity to participate in a walking tour of the Gowanus Canal neighborhood and gain an insider’s perspective on the development of 420 Carroll Street, the first residential high-rise completed following the neighborhood rezoning.
The tour began at the Van Alen Institute, where Andrew Brown, Director of Programs, introduced the organization and highlighted its community engagement efforts and public programming. Participants then joined Sagi Golan, Deputy Director of Urban Design at the NYC Department of City Planning, and Jonah Rogoff, City Planner at the NYC Department of City Planning, for a guided walk through the area surrounding the canal. They explained how the rezoning and planning process ensured that new development would deliver public open spaces, waterfront access, and neighborhood-serving retail while supporting broader community goals, including providing spaces for artists and artisans.
The group then toured 420 Carroll Street, a 360-unit rental building completed in 2025. The tour was led by Natalia Zawinski, Design & Construction Manager, and Jared Lewis, Senior Development Manager, both with The Domain Companies, the project’s developer. Natalia and Jared discussed the challenges of developing a large-scale residential project along the canal, as well as the rationale behind including amenities such as co-working spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and other features designed to enhance residents’ quality of life and contribute to the building’s success.
Overall, the Gowanus rezoning and the neighborhood’s transformation into one of New York City’s most dynamic communities demonstrate the power of effective public-private partnerships. Together, these efforts have helped create high-quality open spaces, facilitate the construction of nearly 10,000 new housing units, and support the arts and cultural institutions that make Brooklyn such a vibrant and distinctive place.
