If not "Brooklyn Flagship," building on Pacific Street (retail for Walgreens?) across from arena block finally under transformation, years late.

Something is finally happening at 604 Pacific Street, just below the intersection with Flatbush Avenue, a key retail parcel across from the Barclays Center and adjacent to a strip of retail spaces (Snipes, Chik-fil-A, Shake Shack), that draw a high volume of customers.

See the photo below, taken Dec. 12. It's more than 12 years after the arena opened.

Photo: Norman Oder

What's happening?

As indicated in the work permit (right), workers are converting a four-story building with a cellar and basement to a three-story building with a cellar only, as well as various interior renovations.

As I reported in July 2021, once proposed as a bar/nightclub, and more recently as a retail flagship, the long beckoning largest available retail parcel near the Barclays Center was said to have a ground-floor tenant: Walgreens, the pharmacy and general convenience store.

The retailer was expected to open in the third quarter of 2022, according to the Commercial Observer.

That didn't happen. It's unclear if everything is simply delayed, or whether Walgreens, which in October announced it would close 1,200 stores nationally, is retrenching.

As of 2021, Walgreens was said to lease 8,300 square feet, leaving 20,000 square feet available.

Big plans in the past

The Brooklyn Flagship web site, billing the location as "THE CROSSROADS AT BROOKLYN," offered 10,000 to 45,000 square feet on three levels. In the back, at 421 Dean, is Byklyn Yard, an outdoor cycling studio.

Before the arena opened, in 2011, Eater, citing the Brooklyn Paper, and this blog reported on plans for a gastropub and sports bar--which came to naught.

In 2013, I noted plans for another eating/drinking/sports complex. 

Previous marketing

Here's the marketing website and a projected image. which is a wee bit distorted, given the portrayal of the plaza and the placement of the Barclays Center logo.