The design of 205 Water Street was conceived to complement and preserve the unique character of the DUMBO Historic Landmark District in which it is located—a neighborhood of 19th and early 20th century industrial architecture of greatly varied and often monumental scale.

The principal exterior building material is cast in place architectural concrete, the very same material used in the district’s larger turn of the century loft buildings. This concrete, rendered in a more contemporary smooth, cool gray, is contrasted by warm Cor-Ten steel accents that are inspired by the weathered industrial metalwork found throughout the neighborhood.

This project utilizes materials with the greatest potential to benefit the environment, the community and the health of its inhabitants.
More than 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills or incinerators and recycled, keeping the air cleaner and reducing demand for virgin materials.
More than 40% of the total value of materials used to construct the building contain recycled content including kitchen cabinets, wood floors, steel reinforcement and steel stairs. More than 50% of the total value of materials used to construct the building are harvested.