When a real estate management firm brings in a ‘cultural affairs director’, skeptics say it’s a thinly veiled approach to promoting the brand. That’s what some thought when Two Trees Management brought in Zannah Mass, the Cultural Affairs Director, in 2007. She quickly proved skeptics wrong by synthesizing the arts community in Dumbo and creating cultural programs that enriched the neighborhood. The only other real estate development hire, to my knowledge, to have achieved a comparable position is Debra Simon, the Artistic Director of Arts at World Financial Center (part of Brookfield Asset Management).

After four years on the job, Zannah Mass has announced her departure from Two Trees to pursue other opportunities. Jed Walentas, Principal at Two Trees told DumboNYC, “Two Trees remains committed, as always, to a strong arts presence in Dumbo. We will be unfolding details about our plans shortly.”

When David Walentas and his company, Two Trees Management, bought up property in an undeveloped area known as Dumbo in the 1980s, his intention was to build a creative community around the former warehouse and factory buildings. Two Trees famously provided low lease properties to attract artists and creative businesses while developing residential loft space. In 1998, when Two Trees’ first residential building, 1 Main Street, was completed, loft apartments were priced at $300k to $400k+. Over the next five to eight years, 30 Main Street/Sweeney Building (2003) and 70 Washington Street (2006) were also converted into luxury loft apartments. By then, Two Trees had built the foundation for a creative, residential, and commercial community. In February 2007, Two Trees hired Zannah Mass as the Cultural Affairs Director. In hindsight, this was a key move by Two Trees to commit to this cultural vision.

Zannah has some noteworthy accomplishments for the arts and culture scene in Dumbo today. She is credited with building up DUMBO First Thursdays, co-producing the Dumbo Arts Festival, bringing a live elephant to Dumbo, the main sponsor’s rep and an advisor of the New York Photo Festival in Dumbo, among others. I asked Zannah to reflect upon her experiences and then asked a few people to provide a few thoughts on how Zannah accomplished her vision.
(After the jump)

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The following are selected links from this past week on blogs and websites with discussion about Dumbo (and its neighboring areas):

• Eat, Drink, Shop in Dumbo, 25Feb11, BK Paper
• This art festival will put DUMBO on the ‘Verge’, 25Feb11, BK Paper
• Revenue for Brooklyn Bridge Park from Jehovah’s Witnesses?, 23Feb11, BK Paper
• Commercial Lease 20 Jay Street, 22Feb11, Brownstoner
• BBP Housing Alternatives Still Being Considered, 23Feb11, Brownstoner
• Toll Time in Dumbo, 22Feb11, Brownstoner
• National Parks Service OKs St. Ann’s, 22Feb11, NYP
• Chris Havens joint venture with Benjamin Theilgaard-Badger, 21Feb11, BK Eagle
• New Report Spells Out Alternative Park Funding, 24Feb11, BK Eagle
• Art Brooklyn Will Be Free, All Over Dumbo, 23Feb11, LMag
• Walt Whitman Park Shaping Up, 23Feb11, McBrooklyn

Anthesis Organic Skincare is a new Dumbo-based business that carries handmade natural and organic skincare products, herbal soaps, bath salts, sugar scrubs, certified organic herbal teas, and soy based candles.

Owner Anna Almiroudis taught us that anthesis is when a flower is in full bloom and at its most beautiful and flourishing state. Anthesis Organic Skincare was founded on the belief that by using simple, pure and natural ingredients, your skin will also “blossom and be at its most beautiful state.”

Not only do their products don’t contain chemicals (such as phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances and dyes, or sodium lauryl sulfates), they smell great and nourish your skin. Visit them at the “Green Shops” at 145 Front Street in Dumbo.

Anthesis Organic Skincare
“Green Shops” at 145 Front Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

There is a decorator design warehouse sale, put together by Christopher Coleman Interior Design, a Dumbo design firm (at 55 Washington Stret), starting tomorrow, Friday, February 25 through Sunday, February 27 (10am-7pm) at 77 Front Street (at Washington Street) in Dumbo. There will be many pieces of furniture, decorator accessories, lighting, artwork, and custom items for your home.

Friday, February 25 – 10am-7pm
Saturday, February 26 – 10am-7pm
Sunday, February 27 – 10am-6pm

Cash or check only (no credit cards).

Found this ‘streetart’ on Water Street. Anyone know who and what this is?

Rockaway Taco had a “pop-up” dining in Dumbo last night at Rice (81 Washington St). Too bad it was one night only, since there was a long line for the fish, chorizo, or tofu tacos (with guacamole and grilled corn) they normally serve in Queens.

For those who had a chance to try it out, how was the food? Hope they’ll come back soon.

from Gothamist

Here’s a FSBO listing we found on Brownstoner’s Marketplace for a 1 bedroom 847 square feet ($797/sqft) apartment with a 325 sqft private terrace at 85 Adams (aka Beacon Tower). Per the listing:

Over sized 1 bedroom apartment with 325sf terrace, in the heart of Dumbo. South exposure drenches the apartment in sunlight all day long. Living area has lots of room for a full dining area and living room. Beautiful oak floors, large closets and an in-unit washer and dryer. 11ft high ceilings, highest in the building. Great open kitchen includes all stainless steel appliances by Jenn Air, GE & Bosch. Amazing bathroom with an over sized medicine cabinet and a deep 6ft soaking Zuma Tub.

847 sqft 1 bedroom 1 bath, 325 sqft private terrace
ask: $675,000
cc: $786.78
tax: $21.70 (tax abated)
To make an appointment, contact 85adams2c@gmail.com.

Deena Maerowitz, a one-time member of Columbia University’s admissions committee, will be presenting on the college admissions process. She will use her inside knowledge to help explain how parents and student can get an edge in this (always stressful) always important process.

What: What Parents and Students Really Need to Know: The College Admissions Process
When: Thursday, February 24th, 7-8 PM
Where: Abundant Learning, 68 Jay St., Suite #513, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Parents, come find out about:
- Timeline for high school planning
- How to make the best decisions about courses and extra-curricular activities
- How to create a list of colleges that is the best fit for you
- What are colleges looking for? What are the considerations of the admissions committee?

Deanna Maerowitz (www.undergradadmit.com) shares her experience and expertise as a one-time member of Columbia University’s admissions committee and current private consultant for the college admission process.

RSVP: 917-727-8839, dorian@abundantlearning.org

NEXT MONTH:
Dr. Paul Yellin, of the Yellin Center for Student Success, will present a workshop:
“Every Child Can Succeed: Strategies for Success”

About Abundant Learning
Abundant Learning is a community learning center in DUMBO. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of students in a safe, calm, and supportive environment. Our services include a homework academy, one-on-one tutoring, test preparation, and classes and workshops for both adults and children. Currently we offer weekly classes in chess, art, and yoga-for-families. First tutoring session is free.

Abundant Learning (abundantlearning.org)
68 Jay St., Suite #513
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Previously:
{Business Spotlight: Abundant Learning Center, 05Jan2011}
{Inaugural Adult Workshop At Abundant Learning, 14Jan2011}
917-727-8839

The Jan Larsen’s JLA Studios space at 63 Pearl Street is being replaced by something called “Olga Maria Guanabara” less than a month after JLA closed, as we posted about in late January 2011. Jan Larsen made a lot of improvements to the space, but new construction work is being done by the new tenant. No word yet on what Olga Maria is. Anyone know what this will be?

(Photo by Josh Derr)

(Photo by EmpressM)

The following are selected links from this past week on blogs and websites with discussion about Dumbo (and its neighboring areas):

• Dumbo Gets Two Macho Sports Tenants, 18Feb11, NYO
• Woman Knocked Unconscious on Bridge/York St, 15Feb11, BK Eagle
• New Life for 9 Old Fulton Street, 17Feb11, Brownstoner
• Brooklyn Roasting Company’s Jim Munson Talks Coffee, 15Feb11, Brownstoner
• Dumbo Residents Enjoy Brief Taste Of Warm Weather, 18Feb11, NY1
• Community Board 2 Has New Website, 16Feb11, BHB
• St. Ann’s OK for Tobacco Warehouse, 16Feb11, Brownstoner
• Is Eagle Trashing BHA over Tobacco Warehouse?, 18Feb11, BHB
• Vid: BuildingNY: David Walentas, 15Feb11, YouTube
• City Comptroller Auditing River Cafe Lease, 14Feb11, BHB
• The River Cafe Best Place to Propose, 14Feb11, NYDN
• Brooklyn Bridge Park Getting Bike Rental Program, 14Feb11, LMag
• Building of the Day: 1 Main Street, 16Feb11, Brownstoner
• 70 Washington St, #10B, 1,236sf, $1.159M, 15Feb11, Brownstoner