Tiny apartments dubbed ‘nano-units’ just hit the market at 55 Willoughby Street, where asking rents start at $2,000 for less than 300 square feet. The Downtown Brooklyn building opened leasing on its 150 micro-apartments this week.

55 Willoughby Street is the latest Downtown Brooklyn tower betting New Yorkers will pay a premium for micro-living just steps from the Jay Street-MetroTech subway. Lonicera Partners, the developer behind the conversion, says interest has been strong since leasing launched Monday. “We had 35 tours booked the first day and several applications within hours,” said leasing manager Jenna Perez, referencing their in-building leasing office.

Nano-units at 55 Willoughby, all under 300 square feet, include fold-down beds, built-in storage, and combination kitchenettes. Floorplans show showers tucked behind frosted glass and two-burner cooktops — but no full ovens. “We’re seeing a lot of single tenants who work in FiDi or at NYU,” Perez told NYC Pulse, noting that 90% of inquiries so far have been from renters under 35, many priced out of full-size studios nearby.

Downtown Brooklyn rents have soared 13% year-over-year, according to StreetEasy, with even small studios on Bridge Street asking $2,600. Lonicera bets on amenities like a 22nd-floor roof deck, free Wi-Fi, and a package room to help justify the price. Longtime resident and CB2 member Marsha Goldstein calls it “the new normal for the neighborhood,” but worries about the impact on local grocery stores: “If everyone’s microwaving ramen, who’s shopping at Concord Market?”

Frequently Asked Questions

How big are the nano-units at 55 Willoughby?

The nano-units at 55 Willoughby Street are all under 300 square feet. Most floorplans list at around 280 square feet, with a combined sleeping and living area, kitchenette, and private bath. The design maximizes built-in storage and convertible furniture to make the small space livable.

What amenities are included in the rent?

Monthly rents at 55 Willoughby include access to a roof deck, free building-wide Wi-Fi, and a package room with cold storage for grocery deliveries. Each unit also features in-unit climate control and secure entry. Laundry facilities are located on every other floor.

Who is renting these nano-units?

According to the building’s leasing office, most interest has come from single professionals under age 35, particularly those working in Lower Manhattan or nearby universities. Pricing and amenities appeal to renters priced out of larger studios elsewhere in Downtown Brooklyn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a nano-unit at 55 Willoughby Street?

Monthly rents for nano-units at 55 Willoughby Street start at $2,000.

How big are the apartments at 55 Willoughby Street?

All nano-units at 55 Willoughby Street are under 300 square feet, with most around 280 square feet.

What amenities are included for tenants at 55 Willoughby?

Amenities include a roof deck, free building-wide Wi-Fi, a package room with cold storage, in-unit climate control, secure entry, and laundry facilities on every other floor.

Who is renting the nano-units at 55 Willoughby Street?

Most renters are single professionals under age 35, especially those working in Lower Manhattan or at nearby universities.

Why are these nano-units being offered in Downtown Brooklyn?

The nano-units target young professionals priced out of larger studios, as Downtown Brooklyn rents have risen 13% year-over-year.

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