Yet another reason for the Fort Greene anti-big-development crowd to hate basketball: Turns out Magic Johnson is party to the purchase, and impending condo conversion, of the Williamsburg Savings Bank (aka One Hanson Place). The deal, which was first reported in November, closed yesterday. The developers are planning 216 condos and 33,000sqft of ground-floor retail but told Globe St. that they have instructed architect H. Thomas O'Hara "to maintain the the landmark property?s exterior facade, interior bank vaults as well as its famous clock tower perched atop the buildiing."
Says Magic, "We are believers in Brooklyn as a place that is economically growing, healthy, entertaining and the place to be. By bringing high-quality residential and retail components together, One Hanson will bring about even further revitalization to the already vibrant Brooklyn community."
· Williamsburg Bank Tower To Become $165M Condo [GlobeSt]
· Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds and The Dermot Company Purchase Brooklyn's Tallest Building [BusinessWire]
· Brooklyn Bank Tower Update: More Condos Now [Curbed]