A supertall tower, body armor, chatbots and swanky rehab
Your weekly roundup of the latest Brooklyn business news, from The Bridge and its media colleagues
Construction has begun on the supertall skyscraper at 9 DeKalb Ave. (Rendering courtesy of SHoP Architects)
Brooklyn’s tallest skyscraper is on the rise. The Bridge launches a podcast series. A Brooklyn company makes body armor for U.S. troops. Afropunk goes global. Surf schools become a stand-up business. The Blue Apron of dog food has investors drooling. Paloma is a chatbot that can relate to you. The new Nets star talks trash. And a swanky rehab center is coming to Dumbo.
1. Brooklyn’s first supertall skyscraper begins to rise
The tower underway at 9 DeKalb Ave. will dominate the downtown skyline. Is the borough ready for its ‘badass’ aesthetic? Read more. [The Bridge]
2. Introducing our new podcast: 'From Day One'
In the first episode of a new podcast series from The Bridge, we talk with Peter Lawrence, principal owner of the pioneering Wythe Hotel. Listen here. [The Bridge]
3. Why U.S. troops depend on this Brooklyn company’s gear
Crye Precision’s helmets and body armor are must-have equipment for troops in Afghanistan and other hotspots. Read more. [The Bridge]
4. How Brooklyn’s Afropunk Fest became a global brand
Growing from indie roots, this weekend’s festival is now one of five events around the world celebrating cultural risk-taking. Read more. [The Bridge]
5. The farm-to-table movement comes to your dog’s dish
Brooklyn startup The Farmer’s Dog sells customized, healthy meals for canines. Investors love the taste of it too. Read more. [The Bridge]
6. How surfing school became a real business
Just across the bridge from Brooklyn, three companies teach thousands of students how to ride the waves of Rockaway. Read more. [The Bridge]
7. Op-ed: Brooklyn is thriving alongside Airbnb
It’s a boon to the borough, bringing in $146 million last year, says Andrew Hoan, chief of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Read more. [Kings County Politics]
8. Meet Paloma, a chatbot to help customers relate to brands
9. Brooklyn Nets star: "I want teams to hate us"
New star D’Angelo Russell wants the teams MO to be Brooklyn grit with a chip on its shoulder. Read more. [SBNation NetsDaily]
10. A swanky rehab center will open soon in Dumbo
The new Phoenix Life Center will offer aromatherapy, a rooftop gym and a specially trained chef. Read more. [New York Daily News]
