New Renderings Unveiled for 450 Union Street, a 19-Story Residential Development in Gowanus, Brooklyn

450 Union Street - Renderings by SO-IL

Exciting new renderings have emerged for 450 Union Street, a 19-story residential building poised to rise in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn. Designed by SO-IL in collaboration with Magnusson Architecture & Planning, with development led by Tankhouse and McArthur Holdings, this 203,000-square-foot project will bring a mix of market-rate and affordable rental units to the area, complemented by ground-floor retail spaces. Located at the prominent intersection of Union and Bond Streets, the development aims to enhance the local landscape with a thoughtfully designed, visually compelling structure.

The aerial renderings present a stunning view of 450 Union Street from across the Gowanus Canal, revealing a landscaped public waterfront plaza that will serve as a welcoming communal space. At the heart of the building’s eastern façade, a two-story glass volume highlights the main entrance, adding an inviting, modern aesthetic.

A street-level view from Union Street showcases a unique architectural element: a cutout separating floors three through seven, with balconies bridging the space across the void. Additional renderings reveal the building's cascading design, with angled volumes climbing from the base to the top. This dynamic structure combines tiered setbacks and terraces that create a striking play of light and shadow, lending both depth and vertical emphasis to the overall design. The lower levels align with the adjacent two-tower residential complex at 313-315 Bond Street, while setbacks push the upper stories toward the center of the site, offering a blend of privacy and visual intrigue.

The building’s façade features gray brick accented by a grid of floor-to-ceiling windows framed by slender white mullions. Close-up renderings spotlight the ground-floor retail frontage, the striking cutout between the second and third floors (complete with terraces and hanging vegetation), tree-lined sidewalks, and a garden-inspired streetscape. This unique brickwork pattern and attention to detail make 450 Union Street a distinct addition to Gowanus.

Drawing from SO-IL’s previous Brooklyn projects like 9 Chapel Street, 144 Vanderbilt Avenue, and 450 Warren Street, the design reflects a familiar architectural language while introducing fresh elements to the neighborhood. Residents will have access to a wide range of amenities, including private parking, a fitness center, a children’s playroom and art studio, lounge areas with a commercial kitchen, and flexible workspace designed for remote professionals.

Conveniently located just blocks from the Union Street R train station, 450 Union Street will provide residents with quick access to public transportation and the surrounding community. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026, promising a vibrant new chapter for the Gowanus landscape.