Gowanus Canal to Welcome Major Wellness Center
The Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, notorious for its unpleasant history, is set to transform with the addition of a significant wellness facility. Lifetime, known for establishing athletic country clubs, has secured a lease for this ambitious project at 175 Third Street in Tavros, which boasts a massive 85,000 square feet spread across three levels, plus a 13,000 square foot rooftop pool area.
This new location will become Gowanus’s largest building, part of a larger five-building development known as Gowanus Wharf. This revitalization follows rezoning efforts aimed at bringing in 9,000 new rental units, coupled with a federally-backed cleanup initiative. These developments are not only drawing in new tenants but are also turning the previously malodorous canal into a beautiful urban centerpiece.
Rosie Tilley, the development director at Charney, expressed confidence in Lifetime’s reputation elevating the overall experience at this new establishment. Meanwhile, Parham Javaheri, who oversees real estate development for Lifetime, described it as exactly the kind of expansive facility they were looking for. He shared that the plan includes impressive features, such as indoor pickleball courts, a “wet suite” for various therapies, plus a rooftop area that will remain vibrant throughout the year.
Reflecting on the location, Javaheri recalled his initial interest in the property before the pandemic, noting how he believed it would inevitably attract significant investment. He stated, “We’re not just looking to serve Gowanus but also the residents from nearby neighborhoods like Carroll Gardens and Park Slope.”
During a past meeting at an industry event, he and Sam Charney found common ground in their vision for this project, aimed at creating something distinctive.
While the official opening for this new Lifetime center is expected to be in 2028, construction has just started at 175 Third Street, which will encompass a total of 1.1 million square feet and approximately 1,100 apartments. Notably, Charney and Tavros are among the most prominent developers in the Gowanus area, actively working on more than 2,200 residential units.
Notably, architect Bjarke Ingels from BIG Studio has been chosen to design the building, moving forward from earlier plans drafted for a previous owner.
