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![](https://thebridgebk.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/9-Dekalb-Avenue-JDS-Development-Group-1-e1503680002468.jpg)
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]