When a building is modular, the majority of its construction happens offsite. The finished parts (rooms, hallways, terraces) are then pre-assembled and delivered to the site, allowing for a quicker construction. Modular design also helps developers save money, since factory workers generally make lower wages than those on construction sites.
461 Dean, a 32-story apartment complex in Brooklyn, is the newest residential tower in New York City to feature modular construction. It's now considered the tallest modular tower in the world. The apartments' pre-fabricated rooms fit and lock together like a puzzle pieces. The modules were placed by cranes to create the building.
Its developer, Forest City Ratner Companies, built 90% of 461 Dean in its factory at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. That allowed them to save 20% on construction costs, Forest City's VP of residential development, Adam Greene, tells Business Insider.
The complex's construction process has been rocky, however. Due to disagreements and subsequent lawsuits between Forest City and construction partner Skanska, construction (which started in late 2013) was delayed for months. According to Curbed, reports of water leaks at 461 Dean have also persisted. However, the building nevertheless topped out in May and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
461 Dean started leasing on November 15, and the first tenants will move in by the beginning of December. Studios start at $2,450 per month, with one-bedrooms from $3,125 and two-bedrooms from $4,750.
Take a look inside.
Designed by the NYC-based firm Shop Architects, 461 Dean is located in downtown Brooklyn, near many subway lines that make for an easy commute to Manhattan.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
In the one-bedroom apartment pictured below, there's an open kitchen ...
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
... that connects to a living room space.
Max Touhey
This apartment is 690 square feet, but feels bigger thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular views.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
The building sits up against the Barclays Center, a 675,000-square-foot sports arena and performance venue.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
The bedroom is located off a hallway that connects to the living room.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
On the highest floors, the windows offer views of Brooklyn's horizon. (This staged bedroom is located on the 28th floor.)
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
Various amenity spaces are also available for tenants to use, including an outdoor terrace ...
Shop Architects/Forest City Ratner Companies
... and a lounge with a full kitchen.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
According to Shop Principal Chris Sharples, 461 Dean offers tenants 23 different apartment layouts to choose from.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
In this studio, a brown plank marks the threshold where the modular sections fit together. In total, the building was built from 930 modules.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
The building has 363 units, nearly 50% of which are reserved for middle and low-income residents through a housing lottery.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
Those who win the housing lottery will live in the building for lower rents. Studios, like the 740-square-foot one below, will cost between $559 and $1,996 per month for lottery winners. (The specific amount will depend on their incomes and the units available.)
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
Modular housing has been popular in NYC recently, since it promises construction efficiency, shorter building times, and lower costs for developers. It's one of the most efficient ways to build in a city that's trying to create more affordable housing.
Shop Architects/Forest City Ratner Companies
Unsurprisingly, many New Yorkers want to live in 461 Dean. This past summer, 84,000 people applied with hopes of getting leases.
Leanna Garfield/Business Insider
Read next
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Leanna was a reporter at Business Insider, covering innovations in urban design, architecture, and environmental sustainability.Her work has also appeared in Slate, Entrepreneur, The Independent, Inc, and the World Economic Forum.
