A longstanding fixture in the Williamsburg community, Crest Hardware & Urban Garden Center, is making way for a new 11-story rental building. The hardware store, which has been a neighborhood cornerstone for over six decades, closed its doors at the end of August - a move that was finalized when the property was sold for $15.5 million to a Manhattan-based real estate firm, Green Street. This firm bought the store's building at 558 Metropolitan Ave. along with the adjacent apartment building at 554 Metropolitan Ave., as reported by Crain's New York.
Joshua Greenberg, a principal at Green Street, confirmed the company's plans to demolish the existing structures in favor of a new residential development. According to Greenberg, the new construction, which is expected to break ground within a year and conclude in about three years, will not feature any retail space. While the specifics regarding whether the apartments will be market rate or affordable have not been disclosed, the development will include 75 units. The Franquinha family, long-standing proprietors of Crest Hardware, were the sellers of the two Metropolitan Avenue properties, as confirmed by Crain's New York.
The store's closure marks the end of an era, with owner Joe Franquinha having spent his entire life in the family-run business. "Having to leave here is heartbreaking in a lot of ways," Franquinha lamented in a statement obtained by PIX11. The property, which had grown from a small shop to a larger space complete with a greenhouse and outdoor garden, was a community hub that hosted music festivals and art exhibitions over the years.
Community reaction to the closure was one of dismay, with longtime customers like Fabrizio Sandoval expressing their sadness. "It’s a bummer," Sandoval said, noting both the store's significance and his personal connection to the Franquinhas. Despite the situation, Franquinha is ensuring his employees are supported and helping them find new opportunities. Before shutting its doors for the last time, Crest Hardware had plans for a farewell celebration to honor the store's storied presence in Williamsburg, as Franquinha told PIX11.
