Industry City in Sunset Park secured city approval on Wednesday for a 22-story life sciences tower at 80 39th Street, facing strong local opposition. The project is expected to add over half a million square feet of lab and office space to the Brooklyn waterfront.

Developers Jamestown and Belvedere Capital, the operators of Industry City, say the new tower will anchor a “life sciences innovation hub” for Brooklyn. The site, adjacent to Building 8 on 39th Street, is set to break ground early 2025, with completion forecast for 2027. According to Industry City spokesperson Lisa Serbaniewicz, the tower will cater to biotech, pharmaceutical, and advanced research tenants—sectors the city is aggressively courting.

Local leaders and residents, however, have rallied against the project. Community Board 7 voted overwhelmingly against the proposed rezoning in May, arguing the tower will exacerbate gentrification and strain Sunset Park’s already tight housing market. “We’re not seeing jobs go to locals or protections for our immigrant families,” said board member Tony Mei in an interview outside the district office.

Industry City’s backers point to job creation and the potential to attract major research companies. They highlight agreements to invest in STEM training with non-profit groups like Brooklyn Workforce Innovations. Still, skepticism remains after previous Industry City expansions led to rising commercial rents along Third Avenue and displacement of several long-time tenants, including Chinese bakery New York Mart in 2022.

The plan will now go before the City Council’s Land Use Committee, where Sunset Park’s councilmember Alexa Avilés has said she will push for stronger community benefits before any final approval. If the council votes it down, the project could be stalled—or sent back for more negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly will the Industry City life sciences tower be built?

The 22-story tower is slated for 80 39th Street, within the Industry City campus along the Sunset Park waterfront in Brooklyn. The site sits between Second and Third avenues, just a short walk from the 36th Street D/N/R subway station.

What are the main concerns from Sunset Park residents?

Community members and Board 7 fear the tower will increase real estate pressure, speeding up gentrification and potentially displacing working-class and immigrant families. Many also question whether promised jobs will go to local residents.

When is construction expected to start and finish?

Industry City’s developers aim to break ground on the tower in early 2025, pending City Council approval. If all goes according to plan, the building could open its doors to tenants by 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the Industry City life sciences tower be built?

The 22-story tower will be built at 80 39th Street in Industry City, along the Sunset Park waterfront in Brooklyn.

What is the size and purpose of the new Industry City tower?

The tower will add approximately 550,000 square feet of lab and office space for life sciences, catering to biotech, pharmaceutical, and advanced research tenants.

Why are Sunset Park residents opposing the Industry City tower?

Residents and Community Board 7 oppose the project because they fear it will accelerate gentrification, increase real estate pressure, and potentially displace working-class and immigrant families.

When is construction on the Industry City life sciences tower expected to start and finish?

Construction is expected to start in early 2025 and finish by 2027, pending City Council approval.

Who are the developers behind the Industry City life sciences tower?

The developers are Jamestown and Belvedere Capital, the operators of Industry City.

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