The five-story Grand Prospect at 263 Prospect Avenue is being marketed for rentals, although it has not received a certificate of occupancy, according to Brownstoner. The building’s website advertises one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes and says leasing is underway. StreetEasy labels the development completed but shows no available units. Brownstoner reported that listings had not been posted when it visited. Those marketing messages and listing statuses do not establish that apartments are currently available.
What an occupancy certificate means
According to the NYC Department of Buildings, a building may not legally be occupied until the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. The department says it may issue a temporary certificate when it considers a property safe to occupy despite outstanding issues that must be resolved before a final certificate can be issued. The reported lack of a final certificate does not establish whether a temporary certificate has been issued for this building.
Reports differ on the apartment count
Brownstoner identifies the completed project as a 144-apartment building. A 2022 permit report from New York YIMBY gave a different figure: 147 residences. The available reports therefore do not agree on the planned unit count.
Affordable-housing terms
Brownstoner reports that the project uses the now-expired 421-a tax break, which requires 20 to 30 percent of the apartments to be reserved for households earning around 130 percent of Area Median Income. Its example is a three-person household earning up to $198,510 and a two-bedroom rent of $4,738.
The former Grand Prospect Hall was demolished in 2022 after efforts to secure landmark status failed, according to Brooklyn Paper. Brownstoner reports that Gowanus Cubes LLC, run by brothers Angelo and George Rigas, acquired the property in a $22.5 million transfer. Brooklyn Paper reported that the sale also covered nearby properties, including the townhouses at 188, 190, and 196 16th Street. Those houses were demolished, and project plans designate the lots for green space.
Reported complaints and lawsuits
Brooklyn Paper reported complaints from neighbors about lighting and debris under scaffolding, as well as city construction-safety violations. It also reported that workers filed multiple lawsuits alleging injuries caused by unsafe site conditions. These are allegations in lawsuits, not findings established here. The recent account appeared on Brownstoner, Brooklyn Paper’s sister site.
