The former Met Food at 205 Smith Street shortly after its closing in 2015
Newly constructed two story retail space at 205 Smith Street today
From RKF 's listing of 205 Smith Street in Boerum Hill.
Since construction began on a new two-story retail building at 205 Smith Street between Baltic and Warren Streets in Boerum Hill, the community has been speculating on what retailer may be moving in. The site had formerly been the home of a Met Food Supermarket, which closed its doors in the summer of 2014 when its owner sold the property to retail investors Jackson Group, Aurora Capital Associates and ACHS Management for $18.5 million.
The community had hoped that a new food market would be moving in when the new building was completed, since Met Food, though never a pleasant shopping experience, was the only large supermarket in walking distance for many in the neighborhood.
Those hopes were dashed when the Brooklyn Paper reported in late 2016 that national retailer T.J. Maxx would be taking over both floors of 205 Smith Street. That information, however, was only based on a conversation with construction workers on the site and was never confirmed by the company.
Since a new Marshalls, which, like T.J. Maxx, belongs to TJX Companies, had just opened blocks away on Atlantic Avenue, the information made little sense. Why would the company open two stores so close to each other?
Just recently, retail real estate firm RKF listed the 16,365 SF space, describing Smith Street as one of "Brooklyn’s most desirable shopping destinations and Cobble Hill is one of the most affluent neighborhoods."
(Of course, everyone knows that 205 Smith Street is in Boerum Hill, but what's a little fib to a real estate agent, right?).
So, no supermarket, no T.J.Maxx. The listing does not offer information on the rent price, but it is bound to be steep. The new renter will likely be a national chain, since no small retailer may be able to afford the space.
What would you like to see in this space? What does the community really need on Smith Street now?
What would you like to see in this space? What does the community really need on Smith Street now?
.JPG)
