On Wednesday, April 5, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the first new buildings to be constructed following the Downtown Brooklyn rezoning plan approved in 2004. The event for the two residential towers, 306 and 313 Gold Street at Tech Place, was also attended by developers Ron Hershco and Dean Palin and Downtown Brooklyn Council Executive Director Michael Burke.

“These two buildings represent the first step toward achieving the vision of a new Downtown Brooklyn, with apartments, grocery stores, retail shops, and open space, and foot traffic to restaurants, art galleries, and the amenities that every American city’s downtown offers,” said Borough President Markowitz. “When completed, their innovative design will add glamour and high style to what is already a wonderful experience — entering the city of Brooklyn. When we leave Brooklyn, we say, ‘Oy vey.’ Now, when we enter Brooklyn from the Manhattan Bridge, we will say ‘Oh wow!’ ”

The $400 million project will include a 371,000-square-foot tower, topping out at 40 stories, with 303 condominium homes, at 306 Gold Street; a 250,000-square-foot tower, reaching 35 stories, with 214 condominium homes, at 313 Gold Street; and ground-level retail. The project is designed by the award-winning firm Ismael Leyva Architects.

The Downtown Brooklyn Plan was conceived to transform the area into a 24/7 live-work neighborhood with housing for Brooklynites of every income level, and also includes improved streetscaping to make Flatbush Avenue Extension more pedestrian-friendly.