DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Residents of New York City’s first all-electric skyscraper now have access to a new oasis of calm: Alloy Development has unveiled the Grow Room, a tranquil, tech-free retreat designed to enhance wellbeing by strengthening residents' connection with nature. Located at 505 State Street, the Grow Room is part of an extensive array of unique amenities at the 44-story residential tower.
The Grow Room is a curated space filled with over 500 plants sourced from both local nurseries and international environments. Residents can engage with the space through events such as plant care tutorials and can unwind in its dedicated seating areas, which offer room for both personal reflection and group activities. The Grow Room is emblematic of Alloy's commitment to sustainable living, forming part of the larger Alloy Block, a mixed-use development that will eventually include 850 residences, 200 of which will be permanently affordable, along with office, retail, and educational spaces.
"A talented team of designers sought inspiration from gardens, greenhouses, and plant shops to create a place for residents to connect with nature and themselves in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn," said AJ Pires, President of Alloy Development. “We’re excited to continue promoting a new era of sustainable living at 505 State Street and look forward to welcoming our residents to this truly unique space.”
The Grow Room, designed by Abby Lee of Outlands Botanics and architects Rachel Johnston and Meaghan Lynch of Studio Prospect, combines natural light, controlled temperature and humidity, and carefully selected plant species to foster a calming, immersive environment. The plant collection features diverse species, including powderpuff trees from Florida, tree ferns from Australia, tropical lotuses in a constructed bog, and aerial orchids hanging from custom trellises. Special care is taken to maintain optimal conditions, from air circulation and moisture control to the use of peat-free soil from Organic Mechanics.
Photo courtesy of Valery Rizzo.
The broader development of 505 State Street sets a precedent for sustainable architecture in New York City. The building, designed and developed by Alloy, is the city’s first all-electric skyscraper. This transition to electric power aligns with New York’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as by 2026, most new buildings in the city will be required to implement electric heating and appliances under a recently enacted law aimed at combating climate change. In New York State, buildings currently account for 32% of total emissions.
The Alloy Block, which includes 505 State Street, is designed to blend beauty, functionality, and sustainability, reflecting Alloy’s vision for Brooklyn as a model of equitable urban development. Once fully completed, the Alloy Block will include 100,000 square feet of office space, 50,000 square feet of retail, and two public schools designed to meet Passive House standards, setting a high bar for energy-efficient construction in the city.
