Naftali Group Unveils Williamsburg Wharf, The Transformative Master-Planned Development on Williamsburg’s Iconic Waterfront

BROOKLYN, NY (May 9, 2024) – Naftali Group, a leading privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York, which is partnering with Access Industries, a U.S.-based private holding company with global strategic investments, today announced the official unveiling of Williamsburg Wharf, a 3.75-acre master-planned development and resort-style destination on Williamsburg’s East River shoreline. Located on the prominent corner of Kent Avenue between Division Street and South 11th Street, Williamsburg Wharf’s ambitious vision will create a vibrant residential, retail and lifestyle destination in the heart of one of New York City’s most iconic and culturally rich neighborhoods. A multi-phase development that will command approximately 1 million square feet of premier residential, commercial and retail space, including a waterfront park, Williamsburg Wharf will transform the last developable parcel on the Williamsburg waterfront into a one-of-kind landmark boasting nearly 525 feet of frontage on the East River, with the first phase of the project estimated to be completed at the end of 2025.

“Williamsburg Wharf represents an extraordinary vision for the last developable site along Williamsburg’s East River shoreline,” said Miki Naftali, Chairman and CEO of Naftali Group. “We are excited to introduce a new neighborhood and truly urban resort-style destination to future residents in this highly desirable neighborhood. At Naftali Group, we have shown our tremendous support for New York City over the past three decades and our latest venture is a testament to our unwavering commitment to long-term investments in New York City. This master-planned development – designed by some of the finest architects and designers in the world – demonstrates our continued confidence in the strength of New York City and our promise to always deliver the highest quality residences to the market.”

Williamsburg Wharf will feature striking and innovative modern architecture from a world-class design team across five 22-story luxury residential towers, including the renowned architecture and design firms Brandon Haw Architecture, Cookfox, Rockwell Group, Ward + Gray, Studio Munge, Hill | West, Scape Landscape Architecture and Future Green Studio. In addition to a design-forward residential offering, each ground-up building will boast its own private entrance and collection of private resort-style amenities for wellness and leisure.

Once completed, Williamsburg Wharf will feature approximately 850 residences across the five luxury residential towers, and premier commercial, retail and cultural space creating a resort-style residential destination that will provide beautifully designed outdoor gathering spaces and lifestyle offerings to residents and visitors of the new neighborhood. Shared outdoor gathering spaces include an open lawn and public waterfront park, dog run and the continuation of the coveted Williamsburg waterfront pedestrian and cyclist route, as well as interconnected landscaping throughout to ensure a natural flow between the private residential amenities and public spaces. A pedestrian boulevard featuring a sculptural public art piece will also connect Kent Avenue to the East River waterfront, providing access for residents and commuters alike.

Located at 464-484 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg Wharf is in the heart of Williamsburg, the Brooklyn neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, vibrant restaurants and other cultural offerings including iconic waterfront views, trendy boutiques and buzzy nightlife. Adjacent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where DUMBO meets Williamsburg, the master-planned development is situated along the East River, which offers commuter services to and from Manhattan in less than 15 minutes from the South Williamsburg Ferry Terminal, as well as a host of subway lines including the J, M and Z trains. The Williamsburg Bridge, with easy access to Manhattan, is also nearby.

One of the most active developers in New York City, Naftali Group has successfully launched and sold out three record-breaking luxury condominium projects in Manhattan since 2020 including The Benson at 1045 Madison Avenue, 200 East 83rd and The Bellemont at 1165 Madison Avenue, in addition to more than 37 total projects over the past three decades. Along with the forthcoming Williamsburg Wharf, the firm has several new development projects in the pipeline in Manhattan. In addition to Naftali Group’s active projects in New York City, the firm is developing over 3 million square feet of premier residential and mixed-use space across two projects in South Florida, including the recently launched JEM in Miami.

With construction already well underway onsite, the first phase of Williamsburg Wharf is estimated to be completed in 2025. SERHANT. New Development will exclusively handle sales and marketing for a forthcoming residential tower, which is slated to launch sales later this year. 

About Naftali Group

Naftali Group, a privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York City, has a prestigious track record, having led some of the most significant developments and landmark restorations. Founded and led by Miki Naftali, Naftali Group is highly specialized in identifying and acquiring undervalued properties in premier geographic areas with strong potential growth while maximizing the value of unique and irreplaceable assets. Naftali Group pursues strategic acquisitions and continuously grows its extensive portfolio of new development condominiums, income-producing, mixed-use properties and other assets. Through innovation and discipline, Naftali is recognized as a leading developer with a current and past portfolio comprised of more than 37 projects encompassing more than $15 billion in total value. One of the most active firms in New York City, Naftali Group has successfully launched and sold out three record-breaking luxury condo projects in Manhattan since 2020, including The Benson at 1045 Madison Avenue, 200 East 83rd and The Bellemont at 1165 Madison Avenue. The firm has several new development projects in the pipeline in Manhattan as well as Brooklyn, where the firm’s waterfront development Williamsburg Wharf is currently in progress and estimated to be completed with the first phase in 2025. In addition to active projects in New York City, Naftali Group is developing over 3 million square feet of premier residential and mixed-use space across two projects in South Florida, including JEM in Miami. 

About Access Real Estate

Access Real Estate is a US-based investment group and a division of Access Industries. Using permanent, scalable, long-term capital, Access Real Estate has built a diverse portfolio of iconic hotels and commercial and residential properties around the world.

Access Real Estate primarily focuses on three key areas: landmark properties or districts where the size of investment and duration of business plan are challenging for traditional capital sources; housing investments in markets with significant population growth and constrained supply; and, acquiring mispriced, mismanaged, and underimproved properties at valuations below replacement cost that can be further enhanced through in-house expertise.

Select investments include: the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel; the Faena District in Miami Beach; The Ocean Club Bahamas, a Four Seasons Hotel; One High Line, and Aman Miami Beach.